Car wash spending decelerates amid intense investor interest

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Over 7% fewer customers went to car washes in the first 26 days of October compared to year ago levels, according to Earnest credit card data. Falling total customers pressured car wash sales in the period, which was flat YoY. This represents a steep deceleration since August when national car wash chains notched over 13% YoY sales growth. 

The October spending trends ends a years-long expansion of car wash spending growth in the US. The Earnest Car Wash subcategory—including Mister Car Wash, Quick Quack, Tommy’s Express, Zips, Car Wash USA, Take 5, and Super Star among dozens of other national chains—is currently the subject of intense investor interest. Sign up for Earnest Dash for free to track spending trends in the Car Wash subcategory.