Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services NAICS 812320

Jun 24, 2026 - Survey Shows Quality and Service Remain Priorities

• Despite increasing adoption of automation and digital tools, US dry cleaners continue to rely heavily on traditional service practices that differentiate them from other service providers, according to an American Drycleaner survey. The survey found that 95% of operators still hand-finish certain garments and 90% greet regular customers by name, underscoring the industry's emphasis on quality and personalized service. Many operators view personal customer relationships, hands-on training, and owner involvement as competitive advantages that should not be lost as the industry modernizes. However, respondents identified multigenerational ownership and traditional apprenticeship-style training as practices most at risk of disappearing. For the US dry cleaning industry, the findings suggest that while technology can improve efficiency, maintaining high-touch customer service and specialized garment care remains critical for customer retention, differentiation, and long-term business success.
• 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.

• The US dry cleaning and laundry services industry is increasingly balancing automation investments with personalized customer service as operators adapt to changing customer preferences and shifting garment demand, according to an American DryCleaner report. Cleaners interviewed in the report said technologies such as kiosks, customer apps, and upgraded POS systems are improving efficiency, but excessive automation can risk weakening customer trust and service quality. The industry’s customer mix is also evolving: operators reported declining baby boomer business volume but rising demand for wash-and-fold services, comforters, household goods, alterations, and high-end casual apparel. One cleaner noted that expensive jeans and polos are now being brought in for professional care more frequently since workplace attire became more casual after the pandemic. The report suggests successful operators are differentiating themselves through service quality, packaging, communication, and customer loyalty rather than competing on automation alone.
• Tide Services’ expansion efforts highlight accelerating consolidation and franchise growth across the US dry cleaning and laundry services sector, according to an American Coin-Op report. In 2025, the company expanded through multi-unit development agreements, acquisitions, and conversions, including a 50-unit Tide Laundromat deal across Texas and New Mexico and the acquisition and conversion of 19 legacy dry-cleaning locations in Florida, Ohio, and Los Angeles. The company also expanded its Tide Cleaners footprint in New York City through agreements tied to 75 total Tide-branded laundry and dry-cleaning locations. The activity reflects growing investment in scaled, branded operators as the industry seeks stability amid rising labor and operating costs. Tide also emphasized digital platform development and franchise support, signaling continued modernization across the sector. For independent dry cleaners and laundromats, the trend may increase competitive pressure as larger national brands expand market share through acquisitions and multi-location growth strategies.