Having now had the opportunity to fully digest my time at last month’s Clean Show in Atlanta, I’m happy to report that the self-service laundry industry – as well as the residential wash-dry-fold and pickup-and-delivery segments of the business – are alive and well. In fact, the industry overall appears to be thriving.
With a three-year gap since the previous Clean Show, due to the pandemic, both attendees and exhibitors were champing at the bit for the in-person interaction that only the laundry industry’s largest trade show and convention can offer. Exhibitor booths were busy, most companies were offering new or upgraded products and services, and there was a definite buzz around the numerous payment systems and PUD software products on display.
Attendance at the Coin Laundry Association’s educational seminars was strong, and the participants were highly engaged. The panel presenters were well prepared and knowledgeable. And the mood in the room was extremely optimistic.
At a time of high inflation, supply-chain issues and rising utility costs, it was encouraging to see the risk-takers within our industry rolling up their sleeves and strategizing how to grow and get better.
Also, for the last several years, some have noted the “graying” of the laundromat industry. However, Clean 2022 clearly displayed that the torch is being passed on to a new generation of savvy, eager store owners, managers and company executives. This demographic shift certainly signals a bright future ahead for this industry.
Personally, one of the highlights of my time in Atlanta was the opportunity to volunteer for a five-store, citywide Free Laundry & Literacy Day, presented by the LaundryCares Foundation and Too Small to Fail. This event, traditionally held on the eve of the Clean Show, is always an uplifting experience, highlighting the great spirit of giving back to the communities that support this industry. In all, 75,000 pounds of free laundry was processed across the five locations, and more than 1,000 books were given away over the course of the day. A huge thank-you goes out to the five hosting laundromat owners and their staffs, as well as to all of the volunteers from across the country, who truly elevated our industry once again.
Another bright spot for me was the CLA’s sold-out member party at the Georgia Aquarium, which was simply a spectacular evening. Laundromat operators, manufacturers and distributors turned out in large numbers to enjoy this beautiful and unique venue, while connecting with their friends and colleague in the business. One of the evening’s highlights was a moving and heart-warming tribute to CLA President and CEO Brian Wallace, who was recognized for his 30 years of service to the association and the industry as a whole.
All in all, the Clean Show once again helped laundromat owners in several ways. First, as previously noted, the free educational sessions provided a great opportunity to expand attendees’ knowledge on several timely topics. In addition, after each presentation, numerous small informal groups met to continue exploring the topics presented. Knowledge is power – and the CLA empowered owners to gain that needed knowledge to become successful businesspeople.
Next, Clean 2022 provided owners unfettered access to a wide array of manufacturers whose principals, in most cases, were working their booths. Face-to-face contact is hard to replace as a relationship-builder. Moreover, I’m unaware of any segment of our industry that wasn’t represented at this year’s Clean Show.
Lastly, Clean enabled store owners to plan, discuss and chart a course of action to move their businesses forward – by meeting with other owners, as well as manufacturers and distributors. This all-in-one gathering is unique and truly invaluable.
As the saying goes, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” The Clean Show and the CLA again provided laundromat entrepreneurs with the ability to successfully navigate the challenging road to success.
