Most people consider laundry a chore, and very few look forward to it. Some people even dread visiting the laundromat, where they must wait – bored, anxious, and antsy – for their clothes to spin dry. However, in some areas of the world, there is another option. Cool laundromats are popping up in cities worldwide, adding surprising amenities and conveniences to the chore of doing laundry. If you’re the owner of a laundromat, use these establishments for inspiration. Although there is nothing wrong with a simple and streamlined laundromat, you could use these ideas to outshine your competitors and boost your revenue.
Cool Laundromats
Le Café Laverie
Found in Rennes, France, this facility combines the services of a laundromat with those of a bar and café. You can relax with your beverage of choice while waiting for your laundry, perhaps even stepping onto the patio to enjoy some fresh air. The laundromat also hosts live bands and costume parties.
Sunshine Laundromat
Residents of Greenpoint in Brooklyn, New York, should stop by the Sunshine Laundromat if they have a pocketful of quarters to burn and a full laundry basket. This laundromat adds its washers and dryers to a barcade (bar + arcade), so you can play pinball and PacMan while your whites churn in the washer. The bar features craft brews, the owner plays great music, and sometimes game tournaments are held here at night.
Laundromat Café
A chain laundromat with locations in Denmark and Iceland, the Laundromat Café is (as you might guess) a combination of laundromat and café. The establishment focuses on providing a relaxing, intellectually stimulating environment with coffee, small tables, and a sizable library of books. It’s a perfect spot for students and bookworms to do their laundry. Plus, they offer an excellent menu of burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Why not stop by, toss in your laundry, and enjoy a scrumptious lunch while digging into the latest page-turner?
Wasbar
Nestled into a cozy space in Ghent, Belgium, Wasbar allows you to tackle three problems at once. In addition to washing your clothes, you can eat breakfast and get a haircut! This business offers an excellent selection of brunch foods, delicious cake, and great coffee. However, depending on the day, you may need to make a reservation to ensure that you aren’t waiting too long.
DashLocker
So far, all of the cool laundromats we’ve highlighted have aimed to entertain customers and fill their stomachs while they wait. DashLocker takes the opposite approach. Knowing that its customers (busy New Yorkers) don’t like to wait around, this innovative and technologically advanced facility makes the laundry process as quick and simple as possible. You set your laundry in an empty locker, place an order online, and DashLocker will wash, dry, and fold your clothes. When your order is ready, you will receive a text letting you know that you can pick it up. DashLocker also coordinates with building concierges.
Chances are, the laundromats in your area don’t embrace such lively, entertaining concepts. So why not be the first? If your business is currently in a slump or you’re interested in opening a new laundry business, consider how you might incorporate some of these ideas. Or maybe these ideas have inspired you to create an entirely new type of laundry business!
Either way, be sure to check out Laundry Solutions Company, a full-service provider of premium vended, on-premises, and multi-housing commercial laundry equipment. Since 1976, we have been providing exceptional sales support, laundry design services, commercial laundry equipment (and leasing options), and laundry equipment service and parts. To learn more about our products and services, please give us a call at 800-383-9274 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!