This iReport is part of an assignment:
Small business success
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Posted March 4, 2008
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Manalapan, New Jersey
Manalapan, New Jersey
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1980's Workout Chain Revolutionizes Retro with Cutting Edge Fitness Facility
Manalapan, NJ -- Retrofitness, an awe-inspiring workout destination that offers exercisers an affordable "escape" experience that flashes back to the 1980s, is rapidly gaining muscle in the $15.9 billion fitness industry, hitting the 60-unit mark within its first year of franchising and on track to open 450 additional franchise locations in the next three years. Retrofitness features an ambience unlike any other fitness club, appealing particularly to Generation Xers seeking an escape back to the days of big hair and tapered jeans at an affordable monthly rate of $19.99. Gyms feature retro-style color schemes, classic pop-culture 80s music and a ‘RetroTheatre' where members can burn off calories on treadmills, recumbent bikes and ellipticals while watching famous 80s flicks such as Sixteen Candles and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, as well as a full collection of more than 50 top-of-the-line strength equipment and cardio machines complete with individualized LCD television monitors. "Our goal for members is to allow them to ‘exorcise' their workout demons, while exercising in an environment that keeps them invigorated," said Eric Casaburi, founder of Retrofitness and diehard glam band fan of Poison and Bon Jovi. "People forget they are working out at Retrofitness because they are having such a good time just being in one of our gyms." Casaburi, 33, owned his first gym at the age of 21. In 2004 he opened his first Retrofitness location - spurred by his passion for the fitness industry and his love affair with the 80s. "I am our consumer," Casaburi added. "A product of the 1980s, I show up to our gyms wearing checkered shoes, listening to hair bands on my MP3 player and get right into a dynamic workout session. I love reliving the 80s while taking advantage of modern day technology and state-of-the-art fitness equipment." While the overarching theme of the concept targets Gen Xers, Retrofitness attracts everyone from teens to baby boomers with its aggressive $19.99 pricing model and cardio and strength equipment that appeals to a variety of fitness enthusiasts. Membership rates are soaring at existing clubs while investors and entrepreneurs are ‘working out' deals with Retrofitness at record rates. Currently operating 24 locations nationwide, Retrofitness' aggressive franchise growth plans include opening an additional 450 locations during the next three years. Since beginning to franchise the brand in 2006, Casaburi has signed agreements to open more than 60 locations before the end of 2008. Markets initially targeted for aggressive franchise growth include Maryland, New York, Massachusetts, Delaware, Virginia and Florida with additional select territories also available throughout the rest of the country. "With nearly 49 million generation Xers stretched from coast to coast, Retrofitness is tapping the Footloose generation by offering more fitness for less money," Casaburi added. "Across the board we offer a high quality service in a non-intimidating, fun and welcoming environment. On top of that, we provide the experience at a remarkably affordable price." Retrofitness offers members a full-service RetroBlends juice bar serving drinks packed with a nutritional punch, providing franchisees an additional revenue stream. Personal training, tanning and locker rooms are among the amenities available at every Retrofitness location. Each club is 10,000 to 15,000 square feet and contains about $400,000 worth of equipment. About 80 percent of Retrofitness gyms offer in-house chiropractic and childcare services. Potential investors need approximately $899,000 to get a club up and running, which includes equipment, franchise fee and build-out costs. Retrofitness offers franchise investors a full suite of support services including: access to strategic leasing and financing partners, site selection, full staff training on-site or at Retro-University, ongoing operational assistance, sales consulting, architecture and marketing. About Retrofitness Founded in 2004 by Eric Casaburi, Retrofitness was created to provide an exciting and inviting environment fitting for all levels of fitness enthusiasts. Each Retrofitness location is equipped with a full service fitness center including 50 plus pieces of equipment supplied by the leading manufacturer of equipment supply, Life Fitness. In addition to equipment, members can enjoy a RetroBlends Juice Bar, personal training services, tanning and a retro cardio movie theatre featuring famous 80's flicks. The company calls for more than 450 locations to open during the next three years with 24 currently in operation and 62 locations under development. For more information, please visit http://www.retrofitness.net/.
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