The laundromat market in France

Coin-operated laundries, also known as self-service laundries, are establishments that make washing machines and dryers available to the public for occasional use, in return for payment by the kilo or by the piece. They differ from dry cleaners, where one or more people dry-clean and/or iron clothes. The success of coin-operated laundries depends largely on the provision of full or partial self-service. Laundromat owners must regularly ensure that their equipment is in good working order, and that it is durable and solid enough to ensure the long-term future of the business.

The global coin laundry market was estimated at $19.77 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.32% to 2030. This expansion is largely fuelled by the rise of alternative electronic payment methods, such as contactless credit cards and mobile wallets. These solutions facilitate access to services and avoid the laborious management of cash, reducing the risk of theft and improving transaction security. In addition, technological innovations such as connected washing machines are helping to modernize the sector and attract a wider customer base.

In France, coin-operated laundries are part of the wider laundry and dry-cleaning sector. Market sales are growing steadily, recording an increase of 16.5% between 2023 and 2024. The main customers for coin-operated laundries in France are students and young couples under the age of 30, 13.7% of whom do not have washing machines at home. Furthermore, only 36% of French households own a tumble dryer, with the majority preferring to air-dry, which is adopted by 84% of households.

The sector is experiencing contrasting trends, with a decline in the number of establishments, while staff numbers continue to rise. Laundromat performance varies considerably according to location. Laundromats located in major cities, especially near universities and schools, are the most successful, due to the high concentration of their target clientele. So, despite the challenges of competition and technological change, laundromats remain an essential service for a significant proportion of the population, especially in urban areas.