COVID-19 Update

The CLA wishes to thank all of the store owners and operators who continue to lookout for the welfare of their communities and to keep laundromats open as an essential service.

Laundry owners reported earlier in the 2^nd quarter reductions in business on average of around 30% lower than normal. However, the 3^rd quarter so far appears to show a rebound where the reduction in business may be 10% from normal or lower.

Laundry owners continue to exemplify the way that essential businesses should operate during the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing cleanliness in stores and enforcing social distancing.

Many entrepreneurs are also looking for opportunities to grow their enterprises with the acquisition of laundromats which have closed or expanding their operations to include other services such as pick-up & delivery laundry services.

Advocacy

Coin Shortage

There have been many media inquiries with the CLA regarding the coin shortage situation in the country. Laundry owners have discovered creative ways to overcome the challenges this has caused, and CLA members have been reporting that they have been connecting and working with their peers to help each other. We continue to have regular direct communication with the US Coin Task Force. It has been reported to the CLA that distribution of coins has loosened between the Federal Reserve and the banks, so more circulation of coins may be expected. A survey was sent earlier this week to laundry owners to gauge their experience with the availability of coins.

Garment Care Labels

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is considering removing the requirement for garments to have care labels. Brian has a call with the commissioner of the FTC regarding this situation. The CLA feels that this move risks damage to clothing and textiles which could place the burden of liability on laundry owners if clothes are cleaned incorrectly.

Coin Composition

The issue of Coin Composition Legislation is back. The CLA has been able to speak to three of the four sponsors of this potential bill. Historically, a hard-fought case against replacing the US Quarter has been won. But, the discussion of a replacement currency is back on the table. Currently, our position is and has been that new currency for a quarter of a dollar must retain the size and function of the quarters currently in circulation to prevent the need for retooling equipment which operates using quarters. We are keeping a close eye on this proposed legislation.

Laundry Tax

We feel that 2021 will be a roller-coaster ride regarding sales tax on services as states reevaluate their budgets. There may be repeals on the exemption of sales tax on self-service laundry. The Coin Laundry Association is dedicated to helping laundry owners and their patrons remain exempt from this tax, so being a CLA member is certainly an important way to help us in our advocacy efforts.

CLA Updates

CLA Connect Community

We’re excited that the CLA Connect Community is now a benefit shared among CLA Members and Subscribers to the Community. This rich resource of knowledge and collaboration is a tool which helps both seasoned laundry professionals and budding potential investors to get the support they need to make great decisions in their businesses.

You can subscribe for just $9.97 per month or join as a CLA member for as little as $27 per month.

LaundryCares Literacy Summit

The LaundryCares Literacy Summit, a 3-part virtual event series, will be held Sep. 15, 17, and 22. Registration is still open, and it’s free to join. Come learn more about our mission and discover insights from experts. Exercise corporate social responsibility for your company by becoming a member of the LaundryCares Network. Through the work of the LaundryCares Foundation the Coin Laundry Association has been awarded the Power of A Summit Award from ASAE.

This year’s virtual Summit also features an interactive mobile app.

Join the Movement. Register for the Summit today.