The business, called The Laundromat, is opening at 3376 River Rd. N. Owner Bob Myers said his family saw an opportunity to make better use of the existing building while adding a service they believed would be useful to the surrounding Salem-Keizer area.
“We were looking for a small business to add to the existing location and building to maximize the space,” Myers told Salem Business Journal. “And we were looking for an opportunity to provide a meaningful service and experience to the community.”
The Laundromat will have 16 new Speed Queen washers ranging from 20-pound machines to 80-pound machines designed for larger loads. The business will also have 16 dryers, including two oversized units for large or heavy items.
Customers will be able to pay with debit and credit cards. The business will also offer reloadable loyalty cards, which can be funded with cash and used for future washes. Myers said the family has not yet finalized wash and dry prices but intends to remain competitive with other laundromats in the area.
The facility will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week and will include free Wi-Fi, televisions and seating.
Myers said another feature will be an ozone laundry system, which the family expects to improve cleaning and odor removal while allowing customers to use less detergent and potentially shorter wash cycles.
The laundromat itself will operate without a dedicated attendant. Because it shares a building with Dan’s Pawnshop, Myers said someone will generally be available in the building six days a week until 6 p.m.
Myers declined to provide a specific investment figure but said the family has put a “considerable amount” into new equipment and retrofitting the building.
“This is our first venture in the laundromat business and we want to do it right the first time,” Myers said.
The family plans to hold an initial grand-opening event for the subcontractors who worked on the project as a thank-you, followed by a customer-focused grand opening after the business begins operating. The business also plans to preload some loyalty cards for promotions during its first several months.
For now, Keizer will be the family’s first laundromat, although Myers said additional locations could eventually follow if the concept is well received.
The Laundromat is scheduled to open Monday, Oct. 26.