Vivafit, the Portuguese chain of women’s express workout centres, opened six new clubs in the last two months of 2008 to consolidate its position as private fitness sector leader.
Vivafit, which launched in 2003, was the first brand in Portugal to launch the 30-minute, women-only concept. The new clubs – in the Lisbon area, north and south Portugal – take the chain’s total to 91, including one in Spain.
The company is also developing plans for expansion through master franchising, following up leads in Europe, South America and Asia.
“Vivafit is growing at full speed in Portugal, with an average of two new openings each month,” says CEO Pedro Ruiz. “Our expansion programme is for 45 new centres by 2010, reaching a total of 130 locations in Portugal, 30 in Spain, and at least one master franchise.”
Ruiz, along with wife and business partner Constance, received the European Club Leadership Award at the 2008 IHRSA European Congress.
