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Laundromats revive in NZ after 1980s decline

Source: nzherald.co.nz

TL;DR

Laundromats faded in New Zealand after the 1980s but are now re-emerging across the country.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)[[2]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64/#:~:text=While)
A Trade Me search showed over 20 laundromats for sale, mostly in Auckland, with one example In A Spin fully operating.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)
Owners report monthly profits of $5000-$6000 before tax despite high startup costs around $400,000.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)

The story at a glance

Laundromats were common in New Zealand in the early 1980s with frequent ads, but declined over time until recently when they started popping up again nationwide. The article by Aimee Shaw in NZ Herald on March 6, 2020, profiles owners like Mehdi Ebrahimpour of Clean 'n' Dry in Auckland's Oteha Valley and mentions Dave Pene of the Textile Care Federation. It highlights market growth shown by sales listings and industry views. This reflects rising interest in self-service laundry businesses.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)

Key points

In the early 1980s, laundromat ads were nearly as common as retail sales promotions, but the businesses faded as ads stopped.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)
Laundromats are now re-emerging and popping up all over the country, according to visible article text.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)
Dave Pene, Auckland rep for the Textile Care Federation of New Zealand, said laundromats are "flooding the market" throughout the region.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)
Over 20 laundromats listed for sale on Trade Me at the time, most in Auckland; In A Spin cited as a fully operational example.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)
Mehdi Ebrahimpour, a construction project manager by day, owns Clean 'n' Dry (100 sq m facility in Oteha Valley); invested about $400,000 to start.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)
Clean 'n' Dry earns $5000 to $6000 monthly before tax; startup costs are high but it's one of few cash businesses attracting investors.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)

Details and context

Laundromats declined after their 1980s peak likely due to more households affording home washers, but factors like urban apartments with limited laundry space, rising home energy costs, and demand for large-item washing (bedding, duvets) are driving the comeback.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)

Clean 'n' Dry operates 24/7 in Auckland's North Shore (e.g., Rosedale, Albany areas) with varied washers and fast gas dryers, targeting professional-level cleaning for delicates and bulk loads.[[3]](https://www.facebook.com/cleananddry.ltd)
Textile Care Federation represents drycleaning and laundering interests; Pene links to businesses like Mr Gordon's Full Laundry Service in Onehunga, Auckland.[[4]](https://dlanz.org.nz/members/mr-gordons-full-laundry-service)
High entry barriers (equipment, fit-out) persist, yet cash flow appeals to side-hustle owners like Ebrahimpour; many listings suggest turnover but also opportunity.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)

Key quotes

Dave Pene: laundromats were "flooding the market" throughout Auckland.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)
On startup appeal: "one of the few cash" businesses despite high costs.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)

Why it matters

Laundromats offer recession-proof small business opportunities in New Zealand amid urban density and cost pressures. For entrepreneurs, they mean semi-passive cash income with $5k+ monthly potential after high upfront costs; for renters, cheaper bulk laundry options. Watch sales trends on sites like Trade Me and new openings in Auckland for signs of sustained growth.[[1]](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/the-resurrection-of-the-laundromat-why-they-are-making-a-comeback/PSYEEBTRV4YI6W44MPTQIXGK64)