Industry Shifts and Safety Concerns in the Laundromat Sector

By Matt Heim

This week, the laundromat industry sees significant acquisitions, market expansions, and concerning safety incidents, highlighting evolving business models and operational challenges.

• Laundrapp, an on-demand laundry app, was acquired by Inc & Co Group after going into administration. Despite raising over £15 million, the app struggled with cash flow issues, leading to its sale. This acquisition highlights the volatility and potential pitfalls in the on-demand laundry service market. (Business Sale Report)
• Diamond Chemical has acquired Nyco Products Co., marking a significant consolidation in the chemical supply sector for laundries. This acquisition could impact supply chains and pricing for laundromat operators. (American Laundry News)

• Whisk Laundry Service has expanded its operations to Phoenix, AZ, and Seattle, WA, offering contactless laundry pickup and delivery services. This move reflects a growing trend towards mobile and convenience-focused laundry solutions. (FinancialContent)
• LRE Advisors launched as the first laundromat-focused advisory and market intelligence firm in the U.S., aiming to bring data-driven insights to the $7 billion industry. This could help operators make more informed decisions about location and expansion. (Pulse 2.0)

• A man was fatally shot during a robbery at a laundromat on Indy's east side, highlighting ongoing safety concerns for laundromat operators. The incident underscores the importance of security measures in laundromat operations. (WRTV Indianapolis)
• A woman was killed when a driver crashed into a South Bay laundromat, raising questions about structural safety and emergency preparedness in laundromat facilities. (2 Urban Girls)

• Business Sale Report
• American Laundry News
• FinancialContent