LG Electronics Looks to Revolutionize Laundromat Experience
NEW YORK – LG Electronics USA and Coinmach Service Corp. on Thursday opened a unique “Laundry Lounge,” an approach the companies hope will revolutionize the traditional, utilitarian Laundromat.
The 2,200-square-foot store across the street from City College of New York offers customers modern amenities, including free Internet access and high-definition TVs, for a more home-like atmosphere.
Located on the Upper West Side, the laundry is the first of what LG anticipates will be a national roll-out of similar stores featuring its line of ultra-efficient, ENERGY STAR®-qualified commercial washers and dryers.
“With this new concept, we’re offering patrons a fresh experience by integrating key components of the home in public laundry venues, confirming the notion that life doesn’t have to stop because you have to do laundry,” says Sam Kim, Appliance President, LG Electronics USA.
The fully attended store, open 24/7 and featuring a red-and-white décor, is owned and operated by Super Laundry, a wholly owned division of Coinmach, a leading supplier of outsourced laundry equipment services for multi-family housing in North America.
“LG’s innovative commercial washers and dryers, as well as its high-performance HDTVs, create an overall exciting and attractive environment,” says Coinmach CEO Robert Doyle. “We are very pleased to cooperate with LG Electronics in bringing this exciting new kind of laundry experience to our customers.”
The card-only store initially is offering $2.50 washes (“super wash” is another 25 cents) on its 26 front-load washers and free drying on its 32 counterpart dryers as a promotion.
Thanks to ESD’s card payment system integrated into each machine, the store has the ability to easily adjust pricing as desired.
Stefan Meir, director of commercial laundry sales for LG Electronics USA, says LG plans to work with Coinmach and other distributors to open more “Laundry Lounges” nationwide over the next 18 months.
Although he couldn’t say specifically where they might be located, he says they will likely be in “major cities.”
About the Author
Editorial Director, American Trade Magazines LLC
Bruce Beggs is editorial director of American Trade Magazines LLC, including American Coin-Op, American Drycleaner and American Laundry News. He was the editor of American Laundry News from November 1999 to May 2011. Beggs has worked as a newspaper reporter/editor and magazine editor since graduating from Kansas State University in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications. He and his wife, Sandy, have two children.
Comments
Didn't work for Maytag, won't work now ! Larger machines are what is selling, not all 20 LB washers and dryers. Store looks nice, but not practical at all. The write up promotes the TV's as the main feature of the store, Wow!
Home-like experience?
I serve low-income residents. Their homes look nothing like this. I would be afraid that it would scare off my customers. In the coin-laundry business, "Keep it Simple, Clean, Running."
The idea sounds interesting. I think i will take a look at it when i have a chance.
It is hip at beginning but soon or later it will die. Only 26 washers for 2200 sq and full time attendant. How are they going to recoup the investment not to mention the rent and wages. It looks very upscale but all experienced operator know that mid to low income are our customer.
Fancy concept but not practical at all.
Let's see if it still looks like that after a year.
Maytag "homestyle laundry" was a dumb idea 30 years ago and this is the same idea revisited. Give customers something BETTER than they have at home. Give them PROFESSIONAL washers and dryers.
TV's and free WiFi are pretty much standard. I have more stations and faster internet at my stores than I have at my house.
Waste of money just for brand name.
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