How to Choose a Laundromat Location
Location, location, location. When opening a new laundromat, there are several important factors to consider, but your laundromat location is often at the top of the list. Many customers start with a simple question: “Where’s a laundromat near me?” A location that’s easy to spot and easy to get to can make it simpler for new customers to find you and decide to stop in.
Let’s break down common questions and considerations to help you find the best location for your new laundromat or maximize the location of your existing store.
What Makes a Good Laundromat Location?
When choosing a laundromat location, there are several things to look for. While every neighborhood is different, many successful locations share a few common factors:
- Visible to passersby
- An entrance that can be seen from the street
- Clean, inviting and safe feeling
- Well lit
- Room for parking
- In a high-traffic area that is easily and safely accessible
Why Does Visibility Matter When Choosing a Laundromat Location?
Being easily seen helps customers notice your store, remember where it is and find it again. If the storefront is tucked away, blocked by signage or not visible from the road, the location can feel inconvenient even if it’s close by.
If you’re doing a quick laundromat location analysis, ask:
- Can drivers and pedestrians clearly see the entrance?
- Is the store easy to spot both day and night?
- Would a first-time customer know where to turn?
What Kind of Customers Are You Targeting at This Laundromat Location?
In addition to the factors above, it helps to think about who you want to serve. Most laundromats see a mix of these customer types:
- People who don’t have laundry equipment and likely won’t in the future
- People who don’t currently have machines but may in the future
- People who mainly come in for oversized items (comforters, blankets and bulky loads)
- People who use wash, dry and fold services
How Do You Target Customers Who Will Never Own Laundry Machines?
Today, nearly one-third of the U.S. population rents a home, which may be a signal of potential demand, especially when the laundromat is located nearby.
These customers often wash weekly and may choose the closest, most convenient laundromat—especially if they walk or rely on public transit. When trying to reach this group, look at how close your laundromat location is to apartments and multi-family housing, and whether the area has a high share of renters.
How Do You Reach Customers Who Don’t Have Machines Now but Might Later?
For this group, location still matters, but it may not be the only factor. Some customers may drive a little farther for a store that fits their preferences—especially if it’s easy to access and feels welcoming.
When targeting this audience, consider your laundromat location in terms of visibility, parking and how simple it is for new customers to learn where you are.
How Do You Target Users Who Wash Oversized Items?
Occasional users who own machines but utilize laundromats to wash oversized items may drive farther to use large machines and a laundry service app.
When targeting this customer, it can help to offer large machines and accept mobile payments. It is also important to stick to a general rule of thumb that the laundromat is in a visible, high-traffic area so patrons know where to find it.
What About Customers Looking for Wash, Dry and Fold Services?
Customers who use wash, dry and fold services may be willing to travel farther, especially when the laundromat is fully attended. Owners who want to focus on this group often look at a laundromat location near the edge of middle- or high-income areas. Some also explore pickup and drop-off options in areas where customers already run errands
What Should Every Laundromat Location Include, No Matter the Customer?
No matter which type of customer(s) you want to target, it is important that the laundromat location selected is visible, well-lit, has room for parking, feels safe and is located where customers can enter and exit without stress.
No matter where you are in the process, choosing a laundromat location comes down to making it easy for customers to find you, feel comfortable stopping in and come back again. Ready to get started?
