Coin-operated Laundries NAICS 812310

Jun 24, 2026 - Laundromats Draw Private Equity Interest

• The US coin-operated laundromat industry is attracting investor interest as institutional capital targets the sector's stable demand, predictable cash flow, and recession-resistant business model, according to a Commercial Observer report. The sector is attracting capital due to its predictable cash flow, long-term lease structures, and essential-service status. Industry consolidation is expected to accelerate, as roughly 80% of laundromats remain independently owned single-location businesses. For operators, growing investor interest may increase competition for acquisitions and prime locations, while creating opportunities for modernization, technology adoption, and operational efficiencies. For landlords, professionally managed laundromat operators offer stable, long-term tenancy and stronger financial backing. The trend signals a shift toward greater professionalization of the industry, similar to the evolution previously seen in self-storage, car washes, and convenience retail.
• The cost of laundry and dry cleaning services rose 6.4% in May 2026 compared to a year ago, according to the Consumer Price Index released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment for coin-operated and dry cleaners services were up 4.7% in April 2026 compared to a year ago. In the past decade, employment by coin-operated laundries and drycleaners rose 22.6% over the past decade, faster than the 11.3% growth in overall private employment. Average wages for nonsupervisory employees were up 8.9% year over year in April, reaching $21.74 per hour.

• Tide Services continued expanding aggressively in the US coin-operated laundry industry during 2025, signaling ongoing consolidation and franchise growth across the laundromat sector, according to an American Coin-Op report. The company announced a 50-unit Tide Laundromat development agreement across Texas and New Mexico and expanded its footprint through acquisitions, conversions, and multi-unit franchise deals. Tide also grew its broader laundry portfolio through agreements tied to 75 total Tide-branded laundromat and drycleaning locations in New York City. The strategy reflects increasing investment in scaled, branded laundry operations as operators seek stability in an essential-service industry amid rising labor and operating costs. Tide emphasized modernization, digital platform expansion, and franchise support as key growth priorities. For the coin-operated laundry industry, the activity suggests larger franchise-backed operators are continuing to gain market share through acquisitions and expansion while independent operators face growing competitive pressure from national brands.
• The "Other Services" category, which includes laundry, pet care, personal care, and repair services, was among the strongest-performing segments of the US services sector in May 2026, according to May's 2026 ISM Services PMI report. The category ranked second among industries reporting growth and saw increases in business activity, new orders, backlogs, new export orders, and imports, signaling strong demand and a growing pipeline of work. However, the sector also faced challenges. Employment declined, indicating continued hiring caution, while supplier deliveries slowed, reflecting supply chain pressures. Other Services was also among the industries reporting higher prices, highlighting ongoing cost inflation, and businesses indicated inventory levels were too high relative to demand. Compared with the broader services sector, which also experienced expanding activity and orders but contracting employment, Other Services demonstrated stronger demand momentum despite persistent labor, cost, and inventory challenges.