My Account
The smell of fresh, clean laundry and the soft whirr of machines makes the Laundromat Co in Ōrewa a surprisingly restful place.
The business is owned by Ilana and Jacques Richter, who moved to NZ from South Africa just before the first lockdown in 2020.
Ilana says lockdown provided time for her family, which includes two young children, to find their feet.
Now living in Red Beach, the couple, who have finance, sales and marketing experience, were looking to start their own business.
It was Ilana’s love of laundry that provided the catalyst for Laundromat Co.
“I love laundry!” she says. “I’m one of those people not keen on cooking or housework, but my family’s laundry never fell behind.”
Their dog Newton also provided input – the Laundromat Co has a machine set aside for pet bedding.
The laundromat has been open since March, and everything is squeaky clean and state of the art, including a cashless system, with money loaded on a card to operate the machines.
Ilana, who is the onsite manager, has found a wide variety of customers using the service.
As well as a 20 percent discount for seniors, there is a drop off service popular with working families and older people who can no longer drive. Delivery is free to many local areas.
Ilana is also happy to advise on stain removal and soak things for customers if need be.
The large machines are a big drawcard, making blankets and other large items easy to wash.
Convenience is at the top of most people’s reasons for using a laundromat, Ilana says.
“You can do a week’s laundry here in an hour, using one big machine and a dryer,” she says.
Business Directory: Laundromat Co.
