IOWA CITY, Iowa — Kmart’s foray into the self-service laundry industry has drawn a great deal of interest since the story appeared in Tuesday’s Wire, American Coin-Op’s weekly e-newsletter. (Click here to read Attention Shoppers: Kmart to Debut Self-Service Laundry.)American Coin-Op received calls from industry manufacturers, distributors, service providers, and operators — all curious about different aspects of this new business venture, even though the laundry (Kwash) is only being test-marketed in one Iowa city.The Laundromat, part of what parent company Sears Holding Corp. calls its "test-and-learn" philosophy," will have 31 washers and 30 dryers, free high-speed WiFi access, and a wash-and-fold drop-off service. In addition, there will be a rewards system for frequent users.Since customers are urged to shop in the store while they wait for their clothes to be washed and dried, Kwash will make things a bit more convenient for them — no standing in line at the service area. The Laundromat will have a full-service Kmart register.Chris Brathwaite, a Kmart spokesperson, provided American Coin-Op with an interior and exterior look at Kwash.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].