Master franchisee plans to open more than 25 studios across New Zealand next year, recently securing investment from Viva Leisure
Boutique Fitness Studios (BFS), the master franchisee of Xponential Fitness Pilates Clubs, Rumble Boxing and CycleBar in Australia and New Zealand, has reached a new milestone with the opening of its 50th studio, StretchLab, in Oz.
The popular assisted stretching brand will open in mid-October in the Western Australian suburb of Mount Pleasant.
“When I came across these brands while living in the US, I knew they would offer unique products that the Australian public would love,” BFS CEO Matt Gordin said.
Looking back on its first year, BFS has only grown stronger as the Australian master franchisee has navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Since acquiring master franchisee rights for four popular boutique fitness brands in 2019, BFS has sold 106 licenses.
“Over the past 12 months, we have seen franchisees experience significant growth in both customer numbers and franchise sales,” he added. “I’m really pleased with the progress and direction of the business. We’ll be opening several new studios across Australia and I’m excited about what’s next.”
What’s next for BFS?
In an interview with Athletech News last October, Gordin praised Xponential Fitness’ franchising strategy as BFS continues to pursue its mission to one day have 500 stores across four boutique fitness brands.
By the end of the year, BFS expects to open five Club Pilates and StretchLab studios and two Rumble Boxing studios.
This is the second major win for BFS recently, with recent wins coming from Viva LeisureOne of Australia’s largest fitness operators expands BFS brand portfolio.
As for its initiatives in New Zealand, breadth FS It expects to open more than 25 more studios under its brand by 2025, including 10 Club Pilates studios. As part of the investment, Viva Leisure will also convert eight of its Rebalance Studios into Pilates clubs.
australian fitness
All signs point to BFS being well-positioned to succeed in Australia’s booming fitness and wellness market. Australians will spend up to A$3.5 billion on health clubs and gyms in 2023, according to GapMaps’ 2023 Australian Annual Health and Fitness Center Report. Despite cost-of-living pressures, the fitness industry continues to grow.
Australia is hosting Sydney’s upcoming trade show and summit AusFitness Expo at the ICC in Darling Harbor from 11 to 13 October, featuring more than 250 leading fitness brands, live sports competitions, seminars and educational courses.
Software, payments and growth solutions provider Xplor Technologies has also launched Xplor Gym in Australia and New Zealand, providing club operators with a more streamlined process through built-in marketing automation tools.
