Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services NAICS 812320

Oct 16, 2025 - Automation and Migration Reshape Drycleaning’s Future

• The drycleaning industry is undergoing structural shifts driven by labor shortages, automation, and changing demographics, according to a report in American DryCleaner. Economist Chris Kuehl at the 2025 Clean Show forecasted that non-residential construction, which is key for commercial dry cleaners with its hotel, restaurant, and commercial clients, will rebound in 2026, fueled by transportation and energy infrastructure projects. With AI expected to require 44 additional terawatts of power, energy-efficient equipment will be vital for cost control. Migration to affordable cities presents growth opportunities in underserved markets. Labor constraints are pushing even small operators toward automation; Kuehl notes that 10-person shops are now adopting robotics to offset aging workforces. Domestic robots may shift laundry habits, but demand for professional garment care is likely to persist among affluent consumers. For dry cleaners, investing in automation and targeting emerging markets will be essential to remain competitive.
• Consumers are signaling sustained economic unease, as both confidence and sentiment indexes remain at multi-year lows with inflation and job concerns top of mind. In September 2025, the Consumer Confidence Index from the Conference Board fell to 94.2, with job optimism down (only 26.9% said jobs were “plentiful”) and inflation expectations high. Buying intentions dropped for cars and travel, while interest in homes and smartphones rose. Confidence declined across most age and income groups, especially among households earning $25,000–$35,000 and over $200,000. The consumer sentiment index held at 55.0 in October 2025 from the previous month, and was down 22% year-over-year, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Overall, the data signals cautious consumer sentiment, which could dampen spending heading into the holiday season.

• According to WJHL.com, Tide Services, a Procter & Gamble subsidiary, has expanded its national footprint with the acquisition and rebranding of four former Flair Cleaners in Los Angeles, marking Tide Cleaners’ debut in Southern California. Operated by franchisees Jon and Megan Mut of Clean Rock Ventures, the stores in Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, Studio City, and Valencia reflect Tide’s strategy of modernizing legacy dry cleaners through local ownership and sustainable practices. This move complements Tide’s broader growth in Florida and other key markets, pushing its combined Tide Cleaners and Tide Laundromat presence beyond 200 locations nationwide. The acquisition underscores a pivotal shift in the dry cleaning industry, where aging independent operators are giving way to branded, tech-enabled franchises.
• According to American Drycleaner, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reopened its perchloroethylene (perc or PCE) regulations for public comment following several legal challenges. The EPA asked specifically for public comment on any existing or anticipated implementation issues associated with the final rule requirements, experiences with the PCE final rule since it went into effect, and whether to consider additional or alternative measures or approaches to address the unreasonable risk presented by PCE under the conditions of use. Public comment will be accepted through the end of August 2025. The EPA has provided a 10-year phase out plan for using PCE in dry cleaning and spot cleaning. The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) said it would monitor the reconsideration process undertaken by the EPA. “DLI remains committed to working closely with the EPA to ensure that any forthcoming regulations offer practical, achievable control measures for the drycleaning industry,” said DLI CEO Mary Scalco.