The laundromat market - Italy

The coin-operated laundromat market covers the set of economic activities related to the provision of self-service washing and drying services, accessible to the public without permanent staff, by means of automatic equipment for a fee. These laundries, often open 7 days a week, cater to private users without washing machines, students, tourists, temporary workers and small professionals, as well as micro-businesses (e.g., B&Bs, bars, hairdressers) in need of quick and flexible washing. The business model is based on low operating costs, rapid installation, reduced need for personnel and the possibility of automation, and is favored by urban and social dynamics such as the spread of singles, short rentals and reduced living space. In 2022, the Italian laundromat market was estimated at about €213 million, up from €180 million in 2020, with an average annual increase of about +8.8 percent. The sector has demonstrated strong post-pandemic resilience, benefiting from stable, countercyclical demand and spread in small urban centers, suburbs, and tourist areas. It is estimated that there are now more than 2,400 self-service laundries in Italy, with a particular concentration in Lombardy, Lazio, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. The market structure is highly fragmented, but franchising networks and licensed formulas are emerging, such as Bloomest (Electrolux), Speed Queen, Wash & Dry, Mr. Wash, and Lavapiù. Alongside these, local independent businesses are also developing, often started by private investors. The initial investment for opening a laundry is between 50,000 and 120,000 euros, depending on the size and number of machines. The average turnover per outlet varies between 25,000 and 60,000 euros annually, with attractive margins for those operating multiple locations. Average end-user prices are:

washing: from €3.50 to €6 per load, depending on the weight and cycle chosen;