UK supermarket giant Asda is turning its car parks and store entrances into makeshift laundromats, installing self-service washing machines in a bid to make shopping trips more convenient – and keep customers lingering longer.
The move is part of a growing trend in retail to layer “instant services” onto traditional grocery visits.
On Thursday (8 April), ME Group International, the Epsom, England-based operator of automated equipment, announced a major new partnership to roll out its Wash.ME laundry machines across Asda’s network.
Under the deal, ME Group will install and operate up to 700 Wash.ME units at Asda Supercentres, Superstores, supermarkets, and petrol forecourts across the UK.
The sites were described as “attractive, high-footfall locations” that are easy for the company’s field engineers to service.
The machines offer 24/7 self-service washing and drying with 9kg and 20kg drum capacities, allowing customers to drop off a load while they shop for groceries or fill up their car.
For Asda, the partnership adds a practical, time-saving amenity that could encourage longer visits and repeat foot traffic, especially for busy households without easy access to in-home laundry facilities.
It’s the latest example of supermarkets expanding beyond food into everyday convenience services.
“Asda is a perfect company to partner with,” said ME Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer Vladimir Crasneanscki. “Their retail and petrol stations are excellent locations for our services and their innovative and fast-paced approach will enable us to deploy our units rapidly.”
ME Group called the Asda agreement the largest single client deal in the history of its laundry division.
The company already operates more than 7,600 Wash.ME machines across 12 countries, including over 1,500 in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The rollout will help accelerate ME Group’s ambitious growth targets. The company plans to install more than 1,300 laundry machines in financial year 2026 alone, on the way to a long-term goal of more than 20,000 units globally.
Shares in ME Group rose as much as 3.7% in morning trading in London following the announcement, reaching 147.00 pence.
ME Group, formerly known as Photo-Me International, has pivoted in recent years from its roots in photo booths toward a broader portfolio of unattended services, including children’s rides and, increasingly, laundry. The Wash.ME brand focuses on high-capacity, energy-efficient machines designed for public locations.
The Asda deal builds on similar partnerships ME Group has struck with other major UK retailers, including extensions with Morrisons and agreements with the Motor Fuel Group (MFG).
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