Outside of membership dues, pro shops can be a great revenue stream for clubs of all types and sizes. But in order to reap these dividends, clubs must offer great products that appeal to members and complement their fitness regimens.
For Thrive Community Fitness in Monroe, Washington, an example of a great product that has both boosted its pro shop’s profitability and benefited members is Top Trainer’s supplement line. Here, Shane Johnson, the club’s owner, shares how Top Trainer takes a customer-first approach and has added great value to his business.
CS: How were you introduced to Top Trainer and why did you decide to partner with them?
SJ: I was introduced to this company at the Los Angeles IHRSA show in March 2017. I fell in love with this company the moment I tried their samples. They weren’t pushy like many of the other supplement companies that were present at the show. It was a huge sigh of relief to find a company that shares the same vision for their product and how they run their business. It’s always customer first. They were warm and welcoming. Every time I receive an order there is a hand-written letter from someone within their company personally thanking me for my order and my business. The little things go a long way for me.
CS: What benefit has this partnership brought to your business?
SJ: First and foremost, the profits. The mark ups on these products are about 20 percent higher than that of traditional supplements that I used to carry in my fitness center. Above and beyond that, it is nice to say that we carry a product that is exclusive to gyms. You can’t go to Costco and pick this stuff up. It is a simple, yet effective product line.
CS: What benefit has this partnership brought to your members?
SJ: A high-quality product. I feel very comfortable talking to my members about this product because I take it myself. I believe in this product and am passionate about a supplement I can sell to my members that actually works.
CS: How have you successfully implemented Top Trainer at your club?
SJ: Just like any new thing you bring into a club, it takes proper tactics and timing with a product. Presentation was huge for us. We did a lot of sample tables with our trainers to talk about the products. Education of my trainers, staff and members was paramount.
CS: What else can you tell club owners about the benefits of working with Top Trainer?
SJ: Carry this line. You will not be disappointed. The revenue that Top Trainer has produced for my club has been spectacular. My profits for supplement sales have increased by over 38 percent over the last 12 months.
For more information on becoming a TopTrainer partner visit TopTrainer.com/Wholesale or call HQ: 512.904.0119.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
