The founder of the US-based Cuts for Men fitness club franchise,b John Gennaro, is planning to unveil Cuts for Women – taking on ladies-only operators including Curves, Contours Express and Ladies Workout Express.
Although there are currently four million women in the US who are already members of ladies-only facilities, Gennaro believes there is still room in the marketplace.
“We’ve done our research and we reckon around 25 per cent of women are not totally satisfied with their current experience,” he said.
Cuts for Women will be aimed at the 20- to 40-year-old age group: “The little hipper, the little younger and the little fitter,” said Gennaro. “We feel there’s a market for a more intense workout for women.”
No franchises for the concept have been sold so far, but Gennaro expects to have received around 250 confirmations by the end of the year.
Membership will be higher than existing women’s clubs and more than membership of Cuts for Men, but the clubs will be more upmarket to reflect the increased cost.
Gennaro is also planning to take the Cuts for Men brand overseas. There will be 750 sites in the US by the end of the year, and Gennaro believes there is room for 5,000 worldwide. The company is currently in the process of seeking a master franchiser for the UK. Details: Health Club Management March 2005. To subscribe call +44 (0)1462 471913
