June 22, 2021 – The car wash industry proves to withstand the negative real estate impacts that came with COVID-19. It is a solid example of necessary brick and mortar real estate that cannot be replaced by the internet. Car washes are shifting towards a subscription-based membership program, much like a fitness center, to guarantee revenue, create loyalty, and decrease long-term income risks.
With the increased interest of real estate investors in the car wash business, corporate and franchised companies are looking to turn what is typically identified as a locally owned specialty, into a multiple-location chain business.
Dozens of these corporate car wash companies are looking to enter and expand into the Northeast Ohio market. These companies have quickly realized that they need to compete for real estate and fight for each and every site. The demand for car wash sites is extremely high, while the supply of high-traffic real estate in densely populated markets is low. Landing in the market first with multiple locations will help push one car wash brand ahead of the other. Investors and operators are more willing to pay premium prices to outbid their competition on the best commercial real estate to secure market dominance.