Staff Writer
The Caribou Laundry Center, located at 542 Main Street (former Curves location) offers area residents state-of the art washing machines and dryers, saving customers both time and money. Open seven days a week the new center also features air conditioning, a clean rest room and a big screen television to help pass the time.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
The Caribou Laundry Center located at 542 Main Street, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of the business now being opened. Holding the banner during the special event were, from left: Madison and Taylor Hedrich. Others include Karla Bell, Deputy Mayor; Todd and Jennifer Hedrich; Wendy Landes, executive director Caribou Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Norma Milton and Monique Cormier, CCC&I employees. In back are Troy Heald, CCC&I board member and Gary Bowden, Bowden Advertising & Design.
According to Jennifer Hedrich, the new laundry’s benefits are many. “We have a number of large capacity washers and dryers, and by combining loads in those bigger machines, our customers will cut in half, the time usually spent doing their laundry, — and we guarantee that they will save at least 40 percent on the cost. What’s more, our large capacity dryers should almost totally eliminate the time people so often spend waiting for a dryer,” she added.
“Don’t think you need to be doing laundry for a family of four in order to take advantage of the savings,” stated Hedrich, “with the variety or washer and dryers we offer, no one will have to use the larger machines if the larger capacity isn’t needed.”
Hedrich also said that even those individuals with washers and dryers in their home will find the new, larger machines to their liking. “Large, bulky items — especially blankets, quilts, comforters and sleeping bags — are nearly impossible to do at home, in fact people run the risk of damaging their own machines, but those larger items are easy to do in our big capacity machines.”
Response to the new laundry has been positive said Hedrich. “I’ve been really pleased with the number of people who have been in already, they’re very enthusiastic and happy to be saving time and money.”
The new laundry center is completely automated with doors open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. with lights automatically controlled also. A representative from the business will be present to clean, refill the change machines and tend to grounds maintenance.
Although the new business does not create new jobs for the area, it is expected that the Caribou Laundry Center will draw residents from Limestone, Washburn, New Sweden and the surrounding area who will likely support other retail businesses, stimulating additional retail sales in Caribou.
In operation since Memorial Day weekend, the Caribou Laundry Center will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, June 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to tour the new facility during this time, and residents are encouraged to ask questions and enjoy light refreshments. A bouncy hut will also be set up as entertainment for children.
The 542 Main Street business is open 365 days a year.
