A couple weeks ago, as communities and states were beginning their shut down processes, CBS News ran a story about laundromats as an essential business. The piece quoted Mike Nemetz, who owns stores in Nevada and California. In the article, Nemetz details the need to keep vended laundries essential and what he’s doing to ensure his customers are safe. Nemetz, who’s also a frequent contributor on the CLA forum, made a good case, which always helps push our industry forward.
The story also shows a nice example other owners can follow – be a leader in your own respective markets. Certainly, there’s a need to communicate to your customers that you’re open, but you can take your leadership position further. During this time of crisis, media is looking for ways to localize stories and with laundromats as one of the few essential businesses, you have an opportunity to “sell” your story to the wider public – become a leader. Pitches you might make include:
- You’re an essential business, walk a reporter through the exceptional policies and processes you have implemented to keep customers and staff safe.
- Offer laundry tips during this time of crisis to help prevent the spread. Tips can be general as well as recommended cycles on your store’s equipment. Consult your management system to see what cycles, machines are being used the most. Be sure to check out our COVID-19 business guide and the CDC page for other information.
- Any good news stories? Is the store helping those less fortunate or have you seen random acts of kindness?
- Doing anything unique? Helping out first responders or other area businesses?
As business owners you have a great opportunity to not just showcase your business, but elevate the industry. Many owners have worked hard to provide a truly exceptional customer experience and shed the image many still have of laundromats. And with laundries on the front lines of this COVID-19 fight, you have an opportunity to share your expertise and offer a glimpse to how different the laundry experience is today.
