OSHKOSH, Wis. — The vended laundry industry is quickly evolving from simple, coin-operated and unattended stores to complex, multi-service laundry hubs that cater to people from all walks of life. Here are my continuing thoughts on the laundry hub concept and its potential impact on the community.
EFFICIENCY
It goes without saying that the laundry hub is highly efficient, technologically advanced and environmentally friendly in every way — from equipment and lighting to heating and cooling systems. Construction materials are often eco-friendly.
The hubs also harness other ways to conserve resources, including water reclamation systems, ozone, washers with automatic chemical injection and high extract speeds, and alternative methods for cleaning laundry. By cutting utility costs, the laundry hub benefits the environment and improves profit potential.
CUSTOMER CONVENIENCE
No one enjoys laundry day. Making the laundry process quick, easy and enjoyable is a primary focus of the laundry hub. Owners seek to make life easier and more convenient for their customers through:
- Equipment controls offering cycle choices and add-ons;
- Machines that automatically inject detergents and softeners;
- Payment options that allow customers to choose how they want to pay;
- Large-capacity washers and dryers for quickly processing multiple laundry loads;
- Ozone injected into the wash cycle in order to sanitize laundry;
- Washers featuring high-G-force extraction that removes more moisture and shortens dry time;
- Multiple store amenities, from free WI-FI, TVs and massage chairs to children’s learning areas, snack areas, and access to store-owned tablets or computers; and
- Full-service laundry offerings.
SPACE AND STORE DESIGN
They also smartly utilize equipment and space to maximize profit potential. From the get-go, laundry hubs are designed with designated space to process full-service commercial work and encompass commercial on-premise washers, dryers and flatwork ironers. Meanwhile, the self-service side utilizes large-capacity machines, soft-mount equipment and tight installation clearances for more production per square foot. Children’s literacy spaces are also designated during the laundry planning stages.
INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
Hub owners tend to be dedicated to networking within the industry through local involvement with industry-related associations. On a national level, they also value their participation in organizations like the Coin Laundry Association and LaundryCares, and utilize tools and products that impact business profit and growth. In short, they embrace a best-practices approach to running their businesses, which benefits the industry as a whole.
Thanks to the trending laundry hub, a new legitimacy and credibility halos the laundry industry. Community laundries are actively supporting their customers and surrounding neighborhoods; harnessing eco-friendly and efficient operations; catering to people from all walks of life; and providing spaces where laundry, learning and entertainment coincide in harmony.
Our industry is transforming for the betterment of all. And, it’s very exciting.
Miss Part 1? You can read it HERE.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].