World Gym International has opened two locations in the Ontario province (London and Hamilton), with plans on the horizon to expand even further into Canada.
According to Wes Hodgson, the World Gym gateway development partner for Canada, the London and Hamilton markets are perfect fits for the World Gym brand.
“Both of these gyms were previously owned and have been converted,” Hodgson said in an interview with Club Solutions Magazine. “When we go into a new market, we want to do conversions of existing gyms so we can try to avoid any extra competitors. These are two great areas and two big cities … We’re putting roots down in cities throughout Canada and then expanding from there.”
The Hamilton location, owned by World Gym franchisee Murray Middlemost, is a 20,000-square-foot facility. Group exercise classes are a focus for this gym, and include offerings such as yoga, CrossFit, boxing and Pilates. The location also offers massage therapy, childcare, nutrition counseling and a pro shop.
Also opening under the World Gym umbrella is the location in London, Ontario — an 80,000-square-foot facility owned by World Gym franchisee Ziad Jaber. The gym was converted last month, and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A basketball court, cardio theater and an indoor pool are all amenities offered at this location.
World Gym was created in 1976 as a response to the celebrity fitness scene causing such a stir during that time. Since then, the brand has expanded into 14 countries with 180 locations, focusing on “seriously fun fitness” and bodybuilding.
The latest expansion for the company has been an emergence into the Canadian fitness market.
“I just signed a 15-gym area development agreement for Ontario,” Hodgson said. “I’m working with a group and we plan on opening 15 new gyms within the next five years. We’re on track to open four new gyms by January [2014].”
World Gym International’s Managing Director, Guy Cammilleri, said he has been pleased with Canadians’ response to the company’s brand so far. “We are being met with great enthusiasm for the World Gym brand in the Canadian market,” he said in a news release. “The fitness market in Canada shows considerable potential for expansion and the London and Hamilton gym openings mark the start of an exciting period in our company’s history.”
Hodgson agreed, and explained why the World Gym brand continues to take off in the international market. “The brand is being received very well in Canada,” said Hodgson. “We’re operating with a high-volume, low-price model at $10 a month. [World Gym] is a very iconic brand, too. There’s a real history and legacy there and a real sense of community with this gym. It’s just an added bonus for members.”
By Ashley Scoby
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
