This month, Planet Fitness opened a 14,000-square-foot club in Oro Valley, Ariz. The facility is the first of 14 clubs that the company plans to open in the Tucson, Ariz. area over the next several years.
Eric Goodwin, the Planet Fitness franchise investment partner for Tucson, spoke with Club Solutions about why he thinks Tucson is a great home for the Planet Fitness franchise.
CS: Why is Tucson a wise location for Planet Fitness to invest?
EG: We believe [Tucson] is an underserved market in the “$10 health and fitness club membership” category … we understand that when you are a “first to market,” or a “market maker,” higher priced competitors will be forced to bring their prices down to survive, and that’s okay. Ultimately, the goal is to provide an affordable club where people can focus on their health and well-being, comfortably. We think Tucson is a great city, business friendly and can really use Planet Fitness gyms.
CS: How do you think the community will receive Planet Fitness?
EG: We intend to be positive and contributing members to the community … we hope being committed to the community shows the kind of organization we are, and we earn the trust and respect of our membership. So far we are off to fantastic starts at our first two locations, and suspect that success will continue. Planet Fitness has 600 plus gyms nationally that are very, very successful, and we have every reason to believe we will be successful here. We’ve done our homework.
CS: When is the next location expected to open, and where?
EG: We currently have a few offers for space in the midtown area of Tucson and South Tucson, and hope to close the deals in those areas very shortly. I’ve been getting a lot of requests to put a gym in those areas, so we will get there for sure soon. We will be developing 14 clubs in the metro Tucson area over the next several years, so we will have great availability throughout Tucson.
CS: How did you become involved with Planet Fitness?
EG: Planet Fitness is a New Hampshire-based company. I am a member of Planet Fitness in my hometown of Concord. I was pedaling away there, on my way to losing 70 pounds, and really loved the club. I was very impressed with the “Judgment Free Zone” approach — no “lunks,” comfortable atmosphere, great value. I thought it was smart and clever and it resonated with me personally.
My company, Goodwin & Associates Hospitality Services, has been successful and I’d been looking for an investment. My wife and I both come from restaurant backgrounds. In Julie’s experience and wisdom, she told me, “invest in anything but restaurants!” Being impressed as a member of Planet Fitness, it was easy for me to be passionate about it. So here we are, excited about our business plans in Tucson and excited for Tucson to see our clubs and experience the great value, beautiful and clean facilities, and our member-driven commitment to friendly service.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
Open one up in downtown tucson already and please have a bigger free weight area with heavier weight’s and unassisted bench presses and deadlift areas deadlifts are one of the best and most intense full body exercises you can do!!!!! So please do that…do it!!! It will be awesome!!!!!
Please open a location further Northwest… I-10 and Cortaro or Silverbell area
The community of Marana are in dire need of a Planet Fitness. We need access to closer locations, affordability, and I’m praying that a location closer to me is in the near future.
Twin Peaks and I-10 would be perfect!
I was a member for two years in Oro Valley; however, after moving to Dove Mountain, I found that it is just too far out of my way.
The shopping center on the corner of Dove Mountain and Tangerine has a bunch of space available!
Open one in Rita Ranch-it is needed!!! All that is near there is Snap Fitness-BORING! I’m waiting patiently for the one at Marketplace (Park and I-10 to open in Fall 2016 if still on schedule!
I agree! I’m totally in the same boat, anxiously awaiting the one opening off Park & I-10. But one in Rita Ranch would be so much more convenient! There’s some open space in the Houghton Marketplace, maybe just past Freddy’s?? It’s really starting to grow out there.
How do you apply for franchise with planet fitness..in Tucson area..or maybe green valley
How do you find out about owning franchise in South Tucson or green valley
The East side of Tucson is in dire need of a Planet Fitness. My husband and I joined in MD but spend 5 months in Tucson on the east side. We’re traveling 40 minutes to get to a Planet Fitness while we’re here. That’s just too far!
Sabino Canyon or Bear Canyon area would be great.
Please bring one to Rita Ranch!!! There is a market for it out there.
That would be a great idea!
East tucson please!!! 22nd and Pantano area. Thank you.
Rita ranch would be awesome, I have a membership for the one on Oracle, which was fine when I worked in that area but now 45 minutes is too far to drive
Marana Arizona needs a planet fitness. I use to go to one in Peru Illinois when I lived there they are so nice and reasonable .