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History of the Coin-op Laundry

The origins of the coin laundry date back over fifty years. The first wringer washer was developed around 1907, but the public laundry concept was first seen in the late '20s and early '30s. Initially, all of the "take-in" laundry was done by an attendant and returned to the customer. Later, early washers were made available on a per-hour or per-day basis. This continued with the first "automatic washers" in the late '30s and early '40s. The coin laundry or "laundromat" concept really took off in the '50s with coin meters being added to the machines, establishing a true self-service, coin-operated business. Today, there are approximately 50,000 coin laundries in North America, which generate several billion dollars in gross revenue annually.
The first coin laundries were small, narrow stores that offered a few washers on one wall, and a few dryers on the other. Many of these laundries were open 24 hours a day; many did not even have locks on the doors!
In the early years, demand for this type of service was tremendous, almost guaranteeing success for coin-op pioneers. Many of the early investors were absentee owners, who were not knowledgeable of coin laundry operation, nor were they "hands on" enough to correct problems. As a result, a high percentage of their coin laundries fell into disarray...machines weren't maintained...stores weren't kept clean...and many stores were left open to vandals and thieves. The result of the deterioration of the early stores was a very poor public image of coin-ops, and a poor reputation for coin-ops in the local business community.
Eventually, a "new breed" of investors jumped in to the coin laundry industry with a professional, "hands on" approach to the business. In the '60s, the industry entered a high-growth period as owners built larger stores; employed attendants; and offered additional services such as drycleaning and tailoring. New owners spent time in their stores; keeping the stores clean; and keeping the machines in top condition. Profits soared because service had been improved, while rents and utilities remained very low.
Manufacturers and distributors of coin laundry equipment also profited during this time, as some local distributors built as many as 20 to 40 new coin-ops per year. As the early '70s rolled around, the oil embargo hit, and the energy crisis put a damper on profits and new store construction. Interest rates were also on the rise, making resources scarce for new investors. The demand for coin-ops continued through the '70s, but it wasn't until around 1980 that coin laundry construction had made a comeback.
The stores being built during this time were bigger and better than ever! New investors were more sophisticated, and the larger stores required substantial investments. By this time, equipment had become more energy efficient, more reliable, and offered more options to the customer.
Our industry is in the midst of another upswing today. Many areas are facing matured markets and tough competition, but the demand for quality coin-ops remains in much of the country. We are seeing a trend toward larger stores, and stores that provide additional services such as wash-dry-fold, dry cleaning, tailoring, shoe repair, and other laundry-related services. New laundries are expanding services even further by offering a variety of "extras" such as tanning beds, videotape rental, mailbox rental, filtered water vending, concessions, restaurants, convenience stores, exercise equipment, children's play areas, TV lounges, shipping services, faxing, photocopying, and dozens more ancillary services. The coin laundry industry is stronger than ever, and industry leaders are optimistic for future growth.