Laundry mini-mart question

[JohnH]

Do any of you own a convenience store or mini-mart? I'm considering opening one in a 900 sq.ft. lease space connected to my mat. I would be able to punch a hole in the wall connecting the two with a large opening and build it out to look like an extension of the laundry, decor-wise. That's the idea. But I've got a lot of due dilligence to do before proceeding. Here's my question...can anyone recommend some credible, helpful resources to begin researching? Something akin to the CLA's Today's Coin Laundry, or this forum? There's a National Association of Convenience stores, but I haven't been able to glean much off their website. The more I've thought about the idea, the more it appeals to me. It seems like it could be a great complementary business to the laundry. Any help is certainly appreciated!

John
www.libertylaundryok.com (http://www.libertylaundryok.com)

[galaga]

I own laundromats and other businesses,all my businesses don't need full time attendant.
Mini Mart need full time attendant or you have to be there,it is a lot more work than laundromat,I saw a few gas station/mini mart/laundromat combo in my area,they try to use mini mart attendant for laundromat too,it didn't work.
Unless you want to spend a lot time in you store,it is not a good idea.

[JohnH]

Thanks for your reply, Galaga. I can understand how running a full-time business is not for everyone. I'm not afraid of it, however. What I'm looking for is resources for researching the business.

John

[JohnH]

I finally did find some stuff on the association's web site...industry statistics and such. It's a start! Did you know there are 138,000+ convenience stores in the U.S.? Three-fourths of them sell gas, but I couldn't find any stats on how many of them have big ol' laundrys attached to 'em.
John

[azkid]

I know there's a convenience store chain in this area (Circle K) that has a laundry attached to a minimart at one of their locations near the Arizona State University campus. The laundry is nice too, nice sofas, etc.

I guess in general it would depend upon your demographics and competition. As I understand it, the gas just brings people to the location and is not the money maker.