Curves is a European-based fitness franchise designed to help women achieve their fitness goals in a welcoming and safe environment. They operate 4,500 franchises in over 76 countries with plans to continue their expansion across Europe.
Research found that 67% of women are more likely to feel intimidated by going to the gym than men at 49%. If you’re thinking about investing in a fitness franchise, then Curves could allow you to fill a gap in the market with a female-friendly offering that also promises a healthy return.
In this article, we discover the costs, potential profitability, benefits of a Curves franchise, and how to get started.
Benefits and Opportunities of Becoming a
Curves Franchise Owner
The Curves franchise focuses on providing a unique community fitness club for females across the world looking to get fit. Their business model centres around the concept of 30-minute full-body workouts to be accessible to women of all ages and fitness levels. According to recent studies, there is a huge demand for female-focused gyms in the UK in particular with 54% of gym memberships and 76% of fitness class attendees being female.
As well as this industry being ever-expanding, there are many other key reasons to consider Curves franchise opportunities.
Some of which include:
• Be part of a fast-growing franchise with 64.8 million members and a membership growth rate of 3.8%.
• Have peace of mind in investing in a strong brand that’s been around since 1992, awarded Most Trusted Women’s Fitness Franchise 2020, and a member of EWIF (Encouraging Women In Franchising)
• Explore opportunities for single and multi-club investments to increase your portfolio and profitability
• Enjoy flexibility over your franchise with 5-year franchise agreements available
• Access continuous business support and training by working alongside your business development manager to develop a tailored plan for all aspects of running a club
• Boost your selling point with bespoke equipment featuring Curves Smart, which offers computerized personal coaching with real-time metrics and feedback to help members see real progress
• Increase access and grow member numbers with the Curves at Home membership and ready-made Curves App, which encourage participation off-site through on-demand workouts, coaching, and support
How Does the Curves Franchise Model Work?
The Curves franchise model works with a step-by-step process to ensure any potential franchisee has the right amount of experience, capital, vision, and ambition for the company.
Potential franchise owners then work closely with their business development manager at Curves to create their unique business plan tailored to the location of the premises and demographic that the Curves franchisee has chosen.
1. Curves Franchise Requirements
Before opening a Curves franchise, you must prove that you meet all the minimum requirements for the Curves brand and complete the onboarding process.
This includes:
· Financial investment:
First, you have to show proof of having a healthy cash flow and healthy financial background plus an initial franchise fee of around £37,500 and a minimum investment of around £41,900 depending on the chosen Curves gym location and any local requirements. This brings the total investment to around £60,000 – £80,000.
· Experience checks:
While not mandatory, Curves is looking for its franchise owners to have some form of professional experience within the fitness industry. You work with a foundation specialist to establish a minimum understanding of opening and running a Curves franchise while also undergoing regular training opportunities and updates.
· Onboarding processes:
Curves take its franchise owners through a thorough onboarding process which includes receiving training from foundation specialists, having your business development manager, access to the Curves marketing team, and online support through Curves Online Library for further materials.
This includes 40 hours of online and live virtual sessions focusing on company history, services, sales, policies, procedures, and management to obtain an ‘Onboarding Certification’. 5 days of training are also required before a premises opening.
2. Minimum cost/investment to buy and own a Curves franchise
The main factor for opening any fitness franchise is to prove that you and your business partners have the minimum amount of capital required to open a Curves franchise. Curves state that you need a minimum net worth of £75,000 to open a Curves franchise while also holding a minimum of £50,000 in liquid capital assets.
3. Initial Curves Franchise Start-up Fees
The Curves’ initial franchise start-up fee is expected to be around £37,500 as an initial investment to open the franchise. This fee includes the initial training required by Curves and assistance with the launch of the franchise. This initial investment fee tends to exclude any additional fees such as application fees, expenses and supplies amongst many others.
4. Expected Curves Franchise Revenue
Curves don’t publish the current expected franchise revenue made by its franchisees; however there is information available to see the total revenues of the European fitness industry as a whole.
According to Curves, the total revenue of fitness franchises across Europe is around 28.2 billion Euros. Curves rate of attrition is also at 23.62% which is significantly higher than the average of the health and fitness industry which is around 6%.
The majority of Curves’s franchise revenue will be generated from membership fees and the sales of Curves-branded products such as any services available at individual locations such as beautician services.
5. Costs associated with running a Curves franchise
After looking at the expected revenues, you also have to consider the overall costs of running a fitness franchise and how these costs might impact your overall profits.
Some of these Curves franchise fees that will come out of your revenue include:
• Royalties:
This averages 7.5% of the previous month’s gross sales subject to the minimum monthly royalty fee of about £300.
• Advertising:
This averages 2% of the previous month’s gross sales subject to a minimum monthly advertising fee of around £100
• Training:
Averages at £4500
• Renewal fees:
An amount equal to 25% of the initial franchise fee you paid
• Technology fees:
Around £175 per month
• Health and wellness certification:
Around £40 per member
• Onboarding certification fee:
Around £115 per person
• Relocation fee:
Around £400
6. Predicted average income/profit of a Curves franchise owner
In the US, the average salary of a Curves Fitness franchise owner is around $61,000. This works out to $29 an hour which is 2% higher than the national average income for a franchise owner. Curves Fitness franchise owners have the opportunity to make an even bigger profit if they manage to successfully target the demographic of their location and the type of area it’s in.
Should you wish to move on in the future, one cited instance of an 11-year-old Curves franchise with a dedicated clientele and turnover above £120,000 was resold for £70,000 alongside the inclusion of net assets.
A Look at the Curves franchise agreement & Policies
If you’re considering opening a Curves franchise, one of the most important factors to consider is the agreements and policies you are taking on when signing the Curves’ contract. There are plenty of expectations and requirements that Curves will set out for you when you open a franchise in their name.
Some of these key areas include:
1. Brand
When working within Curves’s brand, you’ll be expected to carry out and follow certain policies when operating Curves’ gym. This means using certain types of equipment to ensure there are opportunities for members to complete strength training using hydraulic resistance, cardio, and stretching as set out by the general expectations of their gyms.
This includes investing in a certain amount of machines for either a 16-station or 24-station franchise at around £41,000 plus any equipment transportation. This also includes training your staff to follow Curves’ policies and standards as well as operating Curves’ business model and fee structure for its members, targeting their main demographic of women who want quick but effective workouts.
2. Location
Curves is one of the biggest growing women’s gyms in Europe with over 4500 locations in over 76 different countries. The chain is currently focusing on expansion plans in the UK in particular after taking Italy and Spain by storm, with franchises popping up in major UK industrial cities such as Leeds and Birmingham.
Due to its large market share in Women’s gyms, there are plenty of resources available to see to plan the layout of your Curves’ franchise and the type of program you could choose that would work in your area. These programs range from such as the Circuit for a full body workout, an At-Home Workout Wellness Community or Curves Complete/Curves Smart for tailored programmes for nutrition advice or progress reports.
3. Local competition
Regarding how local competition works for Curves, their policy is that each franchisee receives territorial rights to operate a Curves franchise at a specific location the franchisor has to approve. The agreed franchised territory depends on the population according to Curves’s territorial policy with their ideal population being around 5000 – 60,000 people. The franchisees’ exclusive territory given by the franchisor means this territory cannot be modified by the franchisor to open more franchises in the territory.
What are the franchise terms of agreement and renewal for Curves?
For some franchises, Curves allows for a 5-year franchise agreement to allow for more flexibility for their franchisees if they request it. They also offer 10-year initial franchise terms. The franchisor grants requests for renewals by providing the franchisee with a new Franchise Agreement for an additional 5-year term. Curves do allow for a renewal term of fewer than 5 years if the franchisee requests it.
Is Curves a good fit for you?
Owning a Curves franchise may not be suitable for everyone, so it’s important to weigh up all factors of owning a Curves franchise. You should also consider whether the franchise aligns with your goals and ambitions for operating a fitness franchise.
1. The target market of the average Curves Franchise
Curves’ business model is centred around providing a safe and encouraging space for women to exercise. They wish to promote the habit of effective exercise by providing their members with plenty of opportunities within the gym to achieve their fitness goals while also having a better quality of life and helping to improve the physical and emotional health of their Curves communities.
Their target market is most suited to women aged 30+ who may feel as if they don’t have enough time to exercise due to their other commitments.
2. Is a Curves fitness franchise right for your chosen location?
Seeing as Curves are gradually expanding into larger industrial towns and cities, their franchises seem to be thriving in locations with a higher population. This is because their business model is shaped around targeting their chosen demographic which is women over the age of 30-40.
3. Other factors to consider when deciding whether owning a Curves Franchise is right for you
Other factors to consider include whether you are prepared as a franchisee to adopt Curves’ business model and whether you have the right experience and knowledge of women’s fitness and gyms.
This includes whether you are aware of the impact of HIIT workouts and their effectiveness, whether how to brand and appeal to women of all ages and fitness levels, and whether you can operate a franchise that was once one of the biggest franchises.
Are you a good fit for the Curves Franchise?
It’s important to fully consider and evaluate your prospects before you apply to open your fitness franchise. For example, if you strongly believe in female empowerment and want to create a safe space for women, you will likely be a good fit for the franchise. Alongside this, it’s important to consider the Curves franchise has been struggling in the US, losing 666 locations between 2016 and 2020 alone. You have to decide whether it’s worth your investment in a franchise that can thrive or fail.
Process of taking a Curves Franchise
Here are a few steps to follow if you’re interested in applying for a Curves franchise:
Step 1 – Apply
Firstly you need to apply by making an initial enquiry. You can do this via their online contact form or by emailing or calling the franchise team.
Step 2 – Meet the team
You can then join Curves for a meeting to discuss business opportunities at Curves. This will include meeting with your business development manager and foundation specialists to carry out the training required to obtain your onboarding certification and prepare for the opening of your franchise.
Step 3 – Complete the relevant paperwork
After these consultations, you can then begin to complete your paperwork to become a Curves franchisee. This includes signing the appropriate Franchise Agreements and paperwork to prove you have completed the correct amount of training and onboarding for Curves such as the 40 hours of training.
Step 4 – Receive training and support
Once completed, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with your Curves specialist and begin your fully guided training to prepare for your franchise’s grand opening. During this stage, the investor can receive tailored support on their franchise opening including any additional training or refresher courses they might require for themselves and their staff.
Step 5 – Your grand opening
Once the grand opening is underway, you are entitled to receive around-the-clock support and guidance for your franchise including marketing arrangements and onboarding for your staff.
Conclusion
If you’re considering opening and operating a fitness franchise, there are many things to first consider including the cost to open a Curves franchise.
Curves could be the right choice for you if you’re looking for a business model that matches your budget such as the costs associated with opening and operating the franchise, ROI recovery, and whether you meet the specific financial conditions set out by Curves Fitness.
If in doubt, consult with the Curves team to see if you meet their requirements for ownership.
FAQs
1. How to Start a Curves Franchise
To start a Curves franchise:
- Fill out their online enquiry form
- Attend a meeting with the Curves team
- Establish your desired location and business plan
Complete relevant paperwork such as onboarding certifications and franchise agreement - Receive relevant training
- Sign the contract and start the development
2. How much does owning a Curves franchise cost
The Curves franchise cost of ownership varies depending on the location of the franchise. There are a few factors to consider however when looking at the overall cost, including:
- Franchise fees and initial investment (around £60,000 – £80,000 in total)
- Royalties (7.5%)
- Utility fees
- Marketing costs
- Labour costs
3. Is a Curves franchise profitable?
The exact revenue of each franchise depends on many different factors including the suitability of your premises and how successful the management is. The Curves franchise has been profitable in recent years with their current annual revenue at $20.4m.
4. What questions to ask when buying a Curves franchise?
Here are a few questions you can ask in the consultation stages for a Curves franchise:
- What kind of business support do Curves offer?
- What are the initial fees I have to pay to set up the franchise?
- What other conditions do I have to meet to become a Curves franchisee?
- What is the average profit for a Curves owner?
