Laundromat owner sounds off on new venture

The Old School Emporium and Music Shoppe is the newest shop on Main Street and a “little sister” to the Jam'n'Suds Factory laundromat. This is where Paula lets her love of music shine!

by Marsha Chartrand

Paula Denton has owned “The Mat” (aka Jam’n'Suds Factory Laundromat) for almost 2 1/2 years now, and she has enjoyed the experience so much that she’s taken on a new venture that’s right in line with her interest in music.

When she learned of a possible vacancy just a few doors down, the wheels started turning. “I’m always thinking about the next thing,” she says with a laugh. What she envisioned has now become the Jam & Suds Old School Emporium and Music Shoppe at 154 E Main.

The music shop has vintage albums from Paula’s personal collections for sale and the old school emporium is kind of a flashback to the 1960s and ’70s. Vintage penny candies, stickers, patches, beads, bracelets, crystals, and lots of other surprises complement the musical theme of the store. The decor is totally ’70s, which makes it fun for those of a “certain age” to browse.

“I’m trying to keep prices affordable,” Paula says. “The albums are priced at their actual value. And the other merchandise is priced very reasonably to keep people coming back.”

After buying the laundromat, Paula put a lot of work into the decor as well as upgrading the machines, which are also “vintage.” Rather than buying new washers and dryers, she invested in a reliable worker who can fix the ones she has, and keep them in good repair. Her two large machines are “Ralph and Alice” from The Honeymooners TV show, and they are in the biggest demand. She’s proud that her clientele has come to take pride in the machines as well as the cleanliness of the laundromat itself, and everyone seems to enjoy the ambience she’s developed with the musical theme.

In addition to the music that is playing throughout the day, Paula also often leads jam sessions for her friends on weekends. Many customers enjoy this and make a point to do their laundry when they know there’s a jam coming up! She often plays at the open mic nights at The Tap and will be featured at the Gazebo concert on August 17.

Owner Paula Denton loves the vintage look at the Jam & Suds Factory laundromat on Main Street. She works hard to maintain the washing machines, dryers, and other equipment.

Paula’s music alcove at the laundromat gives “The Mat” a unique and cheery ambience.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.