August is often a fun time of year in the leisure industry and this year has been no exception. A look back over this month’s news has shown a dominance of stories of fitness operators restructuring, and re-emerging with new business models, proving that the fitness industry has the ability to adapt to changing customer demands and expectations. The last couple of years has taken some casualties in the fitness sector but the phoenix seems to be rising from the ashes.
First up, Health Club Management reported the growth of Total Fitness through acquisitions, and re-opening of former sites closed under the previous restructuring. There’s still no word on their rumoured partnership with ASDA, though if you’re in Swindon, keep your eyes peeled.
Then Health Club Management reported that Anytime Fitness has reached the milestone of 50 clubs in its bid to be the UK’s largest fitness operator, a title currently held by Pure Gym. They could reach 80 sites by the end of 2015, and is looking at a further 150 sites. This has been a phenomenal growth by a company only five years old.
Talking of Pure Gym, Leisure Management reported that the proposed takeover of LA Fitness by Pure Gym had been given the go-ahead by the Competition and Markets Authority. Pure Gym can now press on with plans to convert the majority of LA Fitness sites using Pure Gym’s more budget model, removing less-profitable aspects such as swimming pools, and excess staff. The process is expected to be complete by Summer 2016.
Pure Gym cleared for a takeover of LA Fitness, from Leisure Management
Health Club Management reported that Clevedon’s Hand Stadium will be managed by Everyone Active as part of a 10-year deal which will see £500k of investment with a view to providing a much-improved community facility. We wish Everyone Active all the best in this fantastic venture.
And finally, a story which grabbed our attention was the one of a man applying for a job who sent naked selfies of himself via text to the hiring manager. Maybe he was hoping his chances would increase, but I don’t think it impressed the manager who reported him to local police. He was told not to contact the manager again. No word on his current employment status. I’m sure there’s a job for him somewhere. Maybe. In case you’re wondering, no it’s not a tactic we’d recommend.
What leisure industry news has caught your eye this month?