TRSA/Baird Survey: Industry Kicks off 2026 with Steady Growth

TRSA and Baird released new findings from the Q1 2026 Uniform & Linen Services Industry Survey, a quarterly snapshot of business conditions in the linen, uniform and facility services industry. Results show the industry remains stable, with steady growth supported by strong new business despite softer employment trends.

Based on input from senior leaders at privately held TRSA member firms across North America, the latest survey includes the following key findings:

Uniform Rental Sector

• Approximately two out of three (62%) respondents reported revenues either meeting or exceeding expectations, with roughly one-third (38%) reporting revenues below expectations – consistent with the last several quarters.
• The amount of new business in the market held positive for the third consecutive quarter and improved over the last quarter.
• Respondents expect rental revenue to grow by 3.1% over the next 12 months, essentially unchanged from previous quarterly surveys.

Linen Rental Sector

• More than one-third (39%) of respondents cited rental revenues above expectations versus just 11% below expectations during the fourth quarter of 2025.
• Pricing for new and existing accounts was largely unchanged, with average price increases for existing accounts at 1.9%.
• The amount of new business in the market held positive for the third consecutive quarter and was up significantly over the last quarter.
• Respondents expect revenue growth of 4% or more over the next 12 months.

Healthcare Rental Sector

• Healthcare rental posted strong results to start the new year, with most respondents (93%) reporting revenues at or above last year’s levels.
• Forty percent of respondents experienced growth of up to 5%, with 13% of respondents reporting revenue growth of 5% or more.

“The data show that our industry is holding steady,” said Joseph Ricci, president and CEO of TRSA. “While no one is immune to broader economic pressures, including a softer jobs market, new business activity is helping linen, uniform and facility services companies weather these headwinds. Growth isn’t where it was a few years ago, but it remains stable – and that speaks to the strength and discipline across our industry.”

Read the full Q1 2026 report.