Just like all the industries around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic directly impacted laundromat businesses. Social distancing and work-from-home measures have now become the new norm. Furthermore, people are becoming more aware of staying clean and sanitized.
All of these new implementations have had consumers around the world change their buying behaviors in a snap! But that doesn’t mean the industry is dying. In fact, it’s the exact opposite, with just even more innovative changes and trends to cater to the consumers’ new needs.
Here is what you need to know about the emerging trends in laundromats.
Trends in the Laundromat Business
According to the “Dry-Cleaning and Laundry Services Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery to 2030” report, laundry services are expected to further grow to over $100 billion this 2021. This is why entrepreneurs are looking into companies like Clean Venture Fund to receive capital enough to start their own laundromat.
The growth is thanks to companies tweaking their operations because of the pandemic, with the shift being an innovative one in the laundry industry. Whether you are starting a laundromat business or have an existing one already, take note of these upcoming trends:
- Contactless Payment
There are many smartphone and digital bank payments that have been announced back in 2014-2015 (like Apple Pay). However, people only began using it more in 2019, as connecting a card to one’s mobile device to pay for goods and services easily was too futuristic.
After the pandemic, consumers began heavily relying on these digital payment options for convenience, safety, and security.
Besides using mobile phones as a mode of payment, contactless cards are growing in popularity, too. Tap-and-go payments existed years ago, but it was only recently that businesses embraced the new innovation.
These contactless payment options didn’t only prove that laundromats follow the trends and follow consumer needs. It also offers the flexibility and convenience for consumers to have better experiences.
- Remote Management
There are now even more people working from home to prevent further spread of the virus. This is why laundromat owners should begin planning to manage the business remotely, with only a skeleton force in the physical store.
- No More Quarters?
We’ve been so used to associating quarters with laundromats, but this is now changing. As people are becoming more aware on the spread of bacteria and germs, businesses are slowly shifting away from receiving coins and bills.
Laundromat operators and owners that accepted cash before are changing payment systems as a way to lessen the spread of germs. So yes, say goodbye to quarters and welcome digital payments, which isn’t only safer today, but adds more convenience that consumers want.
Wrapping It Up
There are various trends entering the laundry industry, focusing on new payment schemes, efficient equipment, and remote work to adjust to people’s needs amid the pandemic. If you plan to have your own laundromat business, make sure to keep these trends in mind as you create an effective marketing strategy!
