Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
- Canadian Fabricare Association (CFA) | An established dry cleaning and laundry professional association offering education and networking opportunities.
- Canadian Cleaners & Launderers Allied Trades Association | A Canadian-based international organization focused on creating a sustainable and thriving industry.
- Alberta Textile Care Association | Helps Albertans with several aspects of running a business in the textile care industry.
International Associations
- Coin Laundry Association (CLA) | A US-based trade organization servicing the coin laundry industry.
- Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) | International trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of drycleaning and laundry equipment and supplies
- International Drycleaners Congress | A non-profit organization supporting cooperation, understanding and goodwill among global drycleaning professionals.
- Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) | Focuses on advocating for legislative representation for the linen, uniform, and facility services industry.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- Fabricare Canada Magazine | Produces buyer’s guides, newsletters, and column postings about the latest trends, events, and business partners in the fabricare industry.
- National Clothesline | A 60 year old US-based monthly publication for drycleaning professionals.
- American Laundry News | Focuses on the operations of commercial and industrial laundries and linen suppliers.
- American Coin-Op | Information for coin-operated laundromat owners including monthly industry surveys.
- American Dry Cleaner | A magazine providing recent industry information and expert advice for running a successful drycleaning business.
Consultant & Other Websites
- ADL Consulting | Offers professional guidance about buying, selling, and operating coin operated laundromats in Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
- The Laundromat Resource | Provides members with resources, mentorship, and training programs for a monthly price.
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs, Podcasts & Discussion Forums
- Laundromat Insights Podcast | Interviews with industry experts and laundry owners stripping away the myths and misconceptions of running a laundromat.
- The State of the Laundry Industry | Hosted by a successful laundromat owner, this podcast focuses on current trends in the laundry industry.
- Laundry Money | A seven part podcast on the steps to starting your own laundromat.
- The Laundromat Resource | A blog offering industry insights, best practices, and expert commentary, tailored for the discerning laundromat professional.
- Scrubs Laundry Blog | An Ontario-run blog that communicates the importance of laundromats for businesses in the current day.
- Dry Cleaning & Laundry Institute International Blog | Drycleaning experts that help you solve problems and run a better drycleaning business.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.