Since expanding into Australia and New Zealand in 2009, Snap Fitness has experienced rapid growth in both countries. The franchise recently announced that it will open its 100th club in Australia, and celebrate a membership base of over 100,000 “Aussies.”
“There’s incredible demand for affordable and convenient health and fitness clubs,” said Peter Taunton, the founder and CEO of Snap Fitness. “We were confident that the Snap Fitness brand would see the same explosive growth in Australia and New Zealand as it has experienced across other countries, and the opening of our 100th location is a testament to that belief.”
Snap Fitness attributes the franchise’s success overseas, to a no-contracts model and the elimination of unnecessary amenities, such as swimming pools and racquetball courts. According to Snap, the brand has begun to attract overseas celebrities such as Jonathon Brown, a soccer player for the Brisbane Lions, and former Australian Olympian, Sam Riley, as franchisees.
“We offer a fitness product that gives members the basics and screams value,” said Taunton. “People are always drawn to value. It’s a strong word in this industry and it gets undermined often.”
In addition, the company plans to open a total of 250–350 new locations in Australia and New Zealand over the next five years. Outside of the U.S., Snap Fitness can currently be found in Canada, India, the UK and Mexico as well. According to Snap Fitness, the company recently signed deals to expand into Egypt, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
