Laundromats have a unique reach into under-resourced communities and can upcycle their facilities with dedicated learning spaces, as well as by hosting free laundry events, among other initiatives.
The Coin Laundry Association’s second educational session on the first day of Clean 2022 in Atlanta focused on how laundromats can connect with their communities to benefit local residents and increase profitability along the way.
The hour-long panel discussion was led by moderator Yvette Morton Williams of Wash & Spin Coin Laundry – and it featured panelists Alaa El-Banna of Bubbles aRe Us, Sheleah McPherson of Leah’s Laundromat on the “Q,” and Schuyler Williamson of Laundry Luv.
“Giving back is easy for me,” said McPherson, on her inspiration to fully engage within her community. “I was an educator. In impoverished areas, there are so many kids not up to speed on literacy. We’ve got to have books for them.”
El-Banna shared a personal experience from his youth, where a local small-business owner did a good turn for his parents when they really needed it – and how that one kind act left a lasting impression on him.
“They gave back to my parents, and I want to give back as well,” he said.
Williamson shared how his stores give out backpacks to kids as they head back to school, as well as discussing his business’ annual tradition of giving away turkey dinners during Thanksgiving.
“It’s as much for us, when we give back,” he said.
Additionally, McPherson discussed handing out school supplies and hygiene kits to her customers.
“The customers love when I’m there,” she said. “Everyone at my store is treated the same, and I make sure of that.”
She told of a customer who won a gift card from Leah’s Laundromat and who later said that the card would help to pay for her cell phone bill.
One of El-Banna’s favorite customer interactions came when a grandmother won a Chromebook during a raffle giveaway at his laundromat last year.
“The woman was in tears,” he explained. “She told me it was for her grandson, who was in fourth grade, and that the boy’s parents couldn’t afford one. Later that day, she and her grandson FaceTimed me. It was a very memorable moment for me.”
“Every day, there’s a story,” Williamson marveled. “Our staff is praying with our customers. We’re there for them daily. We lead from the top and empower our staff to give back to our customers. It’s a daily activity of gratitude. Owners need to put the right people in place and trust them to serve.”
Of course, with such community engagement also comes valuable brand awareness and other benefits, Williamson added.
“My role in the community has changed the way municipalities view me,” said El-Banna, who divulged that his business was chosen over a popular dollar store chain for a retail location, based on his laundromat’s positive image and reputation within the marketplace.
“We’re uplifting the area,” McPherson shared. “As a result, bankers want to buy into the area. We’re opening the eyes of a lot of people who now want to invest in the community – and that helps us as well.”
El-Banna added that giving back to others sets a business apart from the rest.
“It’s how you build loyalty,” he said. “People will notice it, and that’s important. And it fortifies your faith in others. There are a lot of great people out there who will want to help and partner with you.”
He gave the example of a local clinic that offered free mammogram screenings for the customers at his store: “The clinic was so willing to help us. In fact, they couldn’t believe we wanted to do it.”
Beyond the LaundryCares Foundation, Morton Williams suggested the local chamber of commerce as a great place for laundromat owners to start when searching for like-minded partners to help them positively engage with their communities.
“Good energy is attractive,” she said.
