Fitness Franchises Growing Strong

Franchise 500 – 2006 Ranking

Two fitness franchises rank within the Top 25 on the Franchise 500 – 2006 Ranking, as reported by Entrepreneur Magazine. Curves, a well-known chain of women’s fitness and weight-loss centers, comes in at number 3 on the list. Jazzercise Inc., a chain offering dance fitness programs, ranks at number 25.

With over 8,000 franchises worldwide, the growth of Curves has been impressive. Based in Waco, Texas, the firm began franchising in 1995. The average total investment required to open a franchise ranges between $38 and $54 thousand and continued strong growth can be expected.

Jazzercise began franchising in 1983 and now has over 6,000 franchises worldwide. The franchise fee ranges from $3,000 to just over $33,000. While ranking within the top 15 in the past, the franchise ranking has slipped, but the firm still shows a strong presence.

With the continued proliferation of fitness franchises, existing fitness facilities are feeling the pressure. Member retention inititives must be evaluated and updated. Are your members getting the results they desire? If not, kiss them goodbye.

If you own or manage an existing fitness facility, building strong customer relationships is more important now than ever. As more and more local fitness boutiques open their doors, turn-over rates will increase for those that fail to aggressively serve and listen to their members. Communication with your existing members is key. And aggressive referral programs are needed to combat a flattening, if not declining, retention curve.

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