Snap Fitness announced its plans to open 75-100 clubs throughout the United Kingdom (UK) over the next five years, including 10 in Greater London by the end of this year. Snap’s first two facilities in the UK will open in Milton Keynes, London in May, and Kenton, London in April of 2012.
“We’re excited. We’ve been very patient about expanding into the UK. We think that there is a need there and the franchisees we’ve spoken with are very excited about our product,” said Peter Taunton, founder of Snap Fitness. “We feel that the [Milton Keynes and Kenton] locations will do well. There’s probably a hundred locations that would do well but you have to start somewhere.”
According to the Fitness Industry Association, the total market value of the UK health and fitness industry is estimated at £3.81 billion. Similar to percentages in the U.S., 90 percent of the population live or work within two miles of a health and fitness facility in the UK, said Taunton.
The average Snap Fitness is between 2,500 and 3,500 square feet. Contract free, members pay month-to-month. “We feel that the idea of living a healthy lifestyle — that’s a global quality. The UK is very health conscious and we think they’ll enjoy [Snap’s] flexibility,” said Taunton.
To support growth in the UK, Snap Fitness is seeking single and multi-unit franchise owners to open new clubs across the UK. The average total investment to open a Snap Fitness franchise in the UK is between £175,000 and £250,000.
Since 2003, Snap Fitness has expanded the brand throughout six additional countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, India, Australia and New Zealand.
By Rachel Zabonick
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
