Reimagined laundromats in Singapore signal the rise of community-first businesses

Last month, a group of young Singaporeans spent Valentine’s Day not at a cocktail bar or a typical event space, but at a laundromat. The dating mixer featured beer, a live DJ and quirky games like blindfolded laundry folding. It was hosted by Hangout Laundry, a local establishment reimagining the laundromat experience. First opened in December 2024 in the heartland neighborhood of Bedok North, the fully air-conditioned space doubles up as a café and co-working space. Its stylish, multi-functional set-up makes waiting for laundry more comfortable and productive. A 30-minute basic wash (16 kg) costs SGD 7, and drying is SGD 1 per five minutes, competitive with typical public estate laundromats in Singapore.

Hangout Laundry is part of a rising wave of modern laundromats in Singapore making laundry more convenient, comfortable and communal. Another establishment, The Daily Tumble, caters to pet owners with machines labeled “special care” for pet accessories. Patrons can sip kombucha, ginger beer or specialty coffee at the on-site self-service café while they wait. Meanwhile, aviation-themed The Good Husband Laundromats and Drycleaners reinvents the laundry experience with massage chairs, an Instachef meal vending machine and even a pop-up barber.

While demand is partly driven by practical needs — compact homes, lack of drying space and busy households — this wave reflects something deeper: a return to community-first local businesses. Beyond meeting a functional need, these laundromats are serving as third spaces — reviving the communal spirit by turning routine errands into opportunities for connection. In turn, consumers develop a sense of ownership over the spaces and chip in to do their part to make the experience better for everyone. At Hangout Laundry, patrons often voluntarily help newcomers and keep the space tidy. At the Daily Tumble, visitors contribute to a mini library of kids’ books.

The shift toward supporting local, which sparked during the pandemic, has endured. Today, local businesses are evolving into community hubs, where practical benefits meet organic connections. What opportunities exist for your brand to create similar urban oases? How might you foster a sense of ownership and connection within your brand’s existing physical spaces?