JOYIN Self-Service Laundry Opens Four Stores Simultaneously in Shanghai: Is the "China Opportunity" for Self-Service Laundry Finally Here?

A commercial transformation is quietly unfolding in the community corners of Shanghai. In 2025, JOYIN Self-Service Laundry opened four consecutive direct-operated stores, signaling that this once-overlooked track may be on the verge of an explosive breakout.

Technology-Driven: Dual Advantages of Equipment and Systems

Behind the brand’s expansion lies the dual support of technology and equipment. The core equipment in JOYIN stores includes high-capacity wash-and-dry units from brands like Speed Queen and Accutech , paired with self-developed precision dosing dispensers and customized payment mini-programs to build an efficient operating system.

The laundry utilizes commercial-grade, large-capacity equipment that efficiently meets household laundry demands. These machines are built with industrial-grade materials and undergo rigorous quality inspections, with a design lifespan exceeding 10 years. Stores feature self-developed precision dispensers that automatically add detergent, softener, and disinfectant. Professional laundry agents and wash programs bring customers a laundry quality that far exceeds home washing.

Business Model: Filling the Market Gap

With “Large-load Wash & Dry, Ready while you wait” at its core, JOYIN precisely fills the market gap between traditional dry cleaners and online laundry services. Unlike dry cleaners focused on high-end care, JOYIN targets heavy household laundry needs; compared to online services requiring several days of waiting, its immediate self-service experience offers a distinct advantage.

From a consumer perspective, JOYIN’s customer base primarily consists of young people aged 20-35, many of whom have overseas experience and are familiar with and recognize the self-service laundry model. Some middle-aged and elderly groups initially only tried washing non-personal large items like curtains but gradually accepted the model for daily clothing, becoming regular customers. Additionally, international travelers actively visiting through map searches are consistently increasing.

Market Opportunity: The Perfect Industry Windfall

The Chinese self-service laundry market is facing unprecedented growth opportunities. Downward trends in commercial rents and a low-interest environment have reduced operating and capital costs, creating favorable conditions for expansion. The popularity of map services and social media allows merchants to connect with potential customers more conveniently through geo-tagging and social promotion.

Furthermore, community service innovation is expanding scenarios for self-service laundry. For example, the “Neighborly Shared Laundry” in Hangzhou provides free services for the elderly and disabled, demonstrating the social value of self-service laundry in social services.

Hygiene and Safety: Core Advantages of the Model

Hygiene and safety are top priorities for consumers and a core advantage of self-service laundry. JOYIN ensures hygiene through multiple measures.

Commercial washers feature large drum diameters and strong mechanical action, offering superior cleaning compared to home machines; the “one person, one wash” policy eliminates cross-contamination risks from the source. Disinfectant-grade detergents are used during washing, and environment hygiene protocols strictly prohibit items like shoes or pet supplies. Additionally, the 80°C high-temperature drying provides auxiliary sterilization, building a comprehensive safety defense.

Operational Strategy: Precise Location and Service

A typical JOYIN store covers 30-40 square meters, standardizing on 6 washers and 4 dryers. Locations are optimized near communities, schools, and malls, balancing traffic and competition. Pricing is tiered by machine type (e.g., 30 RMB for large machines, 20 RMB for medium), achieving a precise balance between service and cost.

Future Outlook: Scaling and Localization in Parallel

The Chinese self-service laundry industry is moving toward a turning point in large-scale development, a process inseparable from the support of industry veterans. JOYIN, alongside the Elian and Accutech teams, has long cultivated the campus and community markets, accumulating valuable experience. Accutech’s self-developed equipment achieves high-quality “import substitution”, lowering the entry barrier. In the future, as urbanization advances and demand for convenient services rises, self-service laundry is expected to become an essential part of urban community commerce, combining service attributes with shared space value.

The dense store openings of JOYIN are a clear signal of an industry explosion. Driven by cost, technology, and demand, the “China Opportunity” has arrived for this track, and the technological innovation and industry heritage of Elian and Accutech will continue to inject strong momentum into this booming market.