October 17th, 2008

When big name retailers began moving in around Ralph Carbonell's hardware business, he knew his days were limited. By transforming his Paterson, New Jersey business into Soap City Laundromat, Carbonell was able to dig himself out—and then some.

No longer wanting the headache of inventory, he transformed his old hardware store into a coin laundry business. Ralph Carbonell's story is featured in the October issue of The Journal, the official publication of the Coin Laundry Association.

The 5,000 square foot, 130-year-old building received a new roof, floor, and granite countertops and windowsills. With this much space, Carbonell was able to attach many amenities to his business, including video games, many vending machines, eight televisions, a massage chair, satellite radio, and same day wash-dry-fold. Adding to the atmosphere is a 20-foot-high ceiling giving the building a large, open feeling.

With 5,700 apartments within a half-mile radius and 16,000 within a mile, Carbonell's old hardware store location was the perfect site for a coin laundry. Also, being open 24 hours, Soap City Laundromat was sure to fit everyone's schedule.

Soap City Laundromat includes solely IPSO equipment. Washers include 24 18-pound frontloaders, 16 40-pound frontloaders, 14 55-pound frontloaders, and three 75-pound frontloaders. Dryers include 56 30-pound stack dryers and ten 45-pound stack dryers. All the equipment is card-operated for additional security and ease of management.

For more information on The Journal or to read other articles, visit www.coinlaundry.org.