Car Washes NAICS 811192

Nov 25, 2025 - Same-Stores Sales Up in Q3

• The car wash industry posted 5.7% growth in same-store total sales revenue year over year in Q3 2025, according to the latest quarterly report from Rinsed in Carwash.com. The results are consistent with the steady growth posted in the previous quarter. Membership revenue rose 10% year over year in Q3, compared to a 3% decline in retail revenue. The growth of price per retail wash remained consistent with previous quarters, indicating the decline was driven by demand rather than price. The report analyzes performances across 3,500 carwash locations nationwide.
• According to a report in Auto Laundry News, car wash operators are increasingly leveraging architecture as a competitive advantage. Timothy Hogue’s Next-Gen Architecture report noted that after being viewed as utilitarian “boxes,” facilities now employ bold towers, daylighting, and upscale landscaping to boost customer engagement and municipal approval. Data shows daylight tunnels increase perceived safety and spending, while three-lane pay stations reduce traffic bottlenecks and improve throughput. Noise-reduction strategies, such as enclosed vacuum stations, enhance community acceptance and customer comfort, particularly in cold climates. The design investments are not merely aesthetic; they drive measurable business outcomes, including higher membership sales, stronger brand equity, and smoother operations. For the car wash industry, the shift underscores a broader retail trend: form and experience now rival function in determining growth and loyalty.

• According to Professional Carwashing and Detailing Magazine, several car wash companies announced major expansions in targeted areas in September. Tsunami Express has acquired 53 Take 5 Car Wash locations from Whistle Express, expanding its Midwest footprint to 74 sites across nine states. This strategic move positions Tsunami Express as a leading regional operator and accelerates market penetration in high-priority areas such as Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. The company plans to rebrand all sites. LUV Car Wash has acquired American Canyon Car Wash, expanding its Northern California footprint as part of a broader regional strategy. The brand has over 81 locations nationwide, with active development underway in Ukiah, Healdsburg, Fairfield, Petaluma, and Cloverdale. The American Canyon site will be upgraded to include LUV’s eco-conscious technology and unlimited membership program. For the car wash industry, the deals signal increased consolidation, heightened competition, and rising consumer expectations for premium service.
• Consumer mood indicators in the US fell in late 2025, signaling growing economic unease. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged down to 94.6 from 95.6 in October, as improved current conditions (Present Situation Index up to 129.3) were offset by weaker short-term expectations (Expectations Index down to 71.5). The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment dropped 6.2% month-over-month in November's preliminary results to 50.3, a 29.9% year-over-year decline. The Current Economic Conditions Index fell to 52.3, and the Expectations Index to 49, down 36.3% annually. These indices reflect consumers’ outlook on personal finances and the broader economy, serving as key predictors of future spending behavior.