Coin-operated Laundries NAICS 812310

Nov 17, 2025 - Laundry Costs Rise

• According to the Consumer Price Index released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the cost of laundry and dry cleaning services increased 4.9% in September 2025 compared to a year ago and rose 0.3% from the previous month. Employment and wage costs for coin-operated laundries and dry cleaners increased in July 2025, year over year, according to BLS data. Employment by coin-operated laundries and dry cleaners grew 5.3% in July compared to a year ago. Average wages for nonsupervisory employees at dry cleaning and laundry services were up 5.6% in July 2025, reaching $20.19 per hour. In October 2025, economic activity in the services sector returned to expansion, registering 52.4%, according to the ISM Services PMI Report. While 11 services industries reported growth in October, six industries reported a contraction, including the Other Services industry, which includes providers of dry-cleaning and laundry services.
• Declining consumer sentiment in October and November 2025 signals mounting pressure on discretionary spending, creating headwinds for coin-operated laundries. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment fell 6.2% month over month to 50.3, marking a 29.9% year over year decline. The Current Economic Conditions Index dropped to 52.3, while the Expectations Index slid to 49, down 36.3% annually. Inflation expectations rose to 4.7% for the year ahead, though long run expectations eased to 3.6%, reflecting heightened uncertainty. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index also edged down to 94.6 from 95.6 in October, as stronger current conditions (Present Situation Index up to 129.3) were offset by weaker short term expectations (71.5). Inflation expectations climbed to 5.9%, and more than half of consumers anticipated higher interest rates.

• The 2025 American Coin-Op Distributor Survey indicates that 2024 was a stable year for coin-operated laundromats, with half of distributors reporting performance on par with 2023 and 30.4% noting growth. New self-service laundries averaged 2,903 square feet, featuring 28.5 front loaders, 28.7 dryer pockets, and a declining presence of top loaders (1.1 per store). The shift reflects evolving consumer preferences and operational efficiency trends. The average store sold for $749,000, down from 2023, suggesting moderated investment levels. The results suggest a steady market outlook, with 40% of distributors anticipating improved sales in 2025.
• Coin-operated laundromats are increasingly expanding into commercial laundry services, offering pickup and delivery to businesses such as hotels, gyms, medical clinics, and dry cleaners, according to a report in Planet Laundry. The move leverages existing staff and equipment to drive revenue growth. Success requires a robust wash-dry-fold (WDF) operation, online ordering systems, and commercial-grade washer programming. Operators must define their service radius, identify target markets, and actively promote their services through direct outreach, social media, networking, and local advertising. By tailoring solutions to business needs and building strong community relationships, laundromats can position themselves as cost-effective, high-quality alternatives to traditional commercial providers. For the coin-operated laundromat industry, the shift represents an evolution from passive self-service models to active, revenue-generating service hubs. It enables laundromats to diversify income, optimize equipment usage, and compete in the broader garment care market.