On November 12, 2013, World Gym International announced the appointment of Manritpaul Singh as its Gateway Partner for certain regions of India, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi. As a Gateway Partner, Singh will expand the World Gym brand — first in Ludhiana, the largest city in Punjab.
Singh spoke with Club Solutions about this opportunity and what it means for World Gym’s international growth.
CS: How does it feel to be the new Gateway Partner for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi? Are you nervous, excited, something else?
MS: I am excited to develop the world-famous fitness brand, World Gym, in my territory. Gym goers desire new concepts in fitness, so I am looking forward to offering fun exercise options and catering to the specific needs of our World Gym members.
CS: What are your plans for the introducing World Gym to fitness consumers in these new markets?
MS: To strengthen the brand’s expansion plans in this new market, I plan to help develop 8 to 10 World Gym facilities in this coming year, 2014. I am targeting a few major cities in the very beginning in my territory. I aim to deliver the finest customer service with innovative fitness solutions.
CS: How do you see World Gym fitting into the regions of India you are now responsible for?
MS: The region I am responsible for always welcomes new concepts when it comes to fitness. World Gym is a brand of “Seriously Fun Fitness.” We will offer everything from individual exercise plans to group activity classes. For the franchisees, World Gym offers different models per facility size and helps us stand out in the competition.
CS: What kind of potential do you see in these markets?
MS: These territories have a lot of potential. Fitness among populations of both genders and all age groups is expected to double in the next few years. This is a promising market and we will offer a variety [of] amenities and services, such as spas, cafes, [cycling] classes, TRX training, personal training, nutrition/weight loss counseling and much more.
CS: What challenges do you foresee having as Gateway Partner? How will you overcome these challenges?
MS: It is always a challenge to enter a market that already has the presence of a couple of international fitness brands. But I aim to bring on the best team of franchise operators and personal trainers to ensure top-level customer service and to implement new fitness trends.
CS: What has been your involvement with the fitness industry up until this point, and why did you want to become associated with World Gym?
MS: I have a background in club design and operations since 2007, and I have developed a dozen gyms in the regions I signed as Gateway Partner with World Gym. I wanted to partner with a trusted and world-renowned brand in fitness. There is nothing better than World Gym. I hope to make exercise a larger part of the lifestyle among the people in my territories, and with World Gym, I will very soon.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
