REAL VALUE FOR
MEMBERS
High Value, Low Price gyms and boutique fitness studios are the two fastest-growing segments of the burgeoning $30 billion fitness industry. Retro combines the best of both. Our Business Model eBook explains how that’s a competitive advantage.
OWNERS CAN
COUNT ON IT
Our membership model creates a recurring revenue stream that Retro Fitness franchise owners can count on. Personal training, smoothies, supplements and athleisure wear create additional revenue opportunities. See detailed financial results in the eBook.
INVESTOR-FRIENDLY MODEL
More than half of Retro Fitness franchises are owned by multi-unit operators who use a manage-the-manager model to run their business. See how our unit-level economics, paired with strong franchise support, make it a sound strategy.
AWARD
WINNING,
BUT ALWAYS
STRIVING FOR
NEW BESTS
Retro Fitness is dedicated to building a strong community for members while providing an exceptional return on investment for owners. Our fitness franchise has been recognized as one of the nation’s top franchise opportunities by numerous publications, earning write-ups in Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, Rolling Stone, and The Wall Street Journal as well as appearances on CNN, CBS, and MTV.
For consumers, Retro Fitness is an attractive fitness destination because of its inclusive community, state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes and personal training, and amenities like massage chairs and tanning. It is a one-stop shop for anyone looking to improve their health in a nurturing environment.
For franchisees, Retro Fitness provides an opportunity to make their community healthier and happier while also generating a significant return on investment. Thanks to memberships that start at $19.99 per month, owners enjoy recurring revenue. Personalized training, the Retro Blends Smoothie Bar, and merchandise sales create additional revenue streams.
The business model is also simple: Keep everything clean and in good working condition, market your business, and build a community culture within your gym. If you and your team can master these basics, you can thrive. Franchisees fall into two categories — owner-operators who spend a lot of time in their gyms, and investors who hire general managers to handle day-to-day operations. Regardless of which category they fall into, top-performing gym franchise owners regularly drop in to ensure their gym is in great shape and the culture is friendly.
FINANCIAL
PERFORMANCE
HIGHLIGHTS
$1.4M
AVERAGE GROSS SALES PER UNIT FOR THE TOP 50% OF RETRO FITNESS CLUBS. THE TOP 10% OF CLUBS AVERAGE $2.2M.
$307K
AVERAGE EBITDA REPORTED BY TOP 50% OF RETRO FITNESS FRANCHISE OWNERS. THE TOP 10% OF OWNERS REPORT EBITDA OF $527,000.
3,785
AVERAGE NUMBER OF MEMBERS FOR THE TOP 50% OF RETRO FITNESS CLUBS. THE TOP 10% OF CLUBS AVERAGE 5,600.
$95
AVERAGE REVENUE PER SQUARE FOOT FOR THE TOP 50% OF RETRO FITNESS CLUBS. THE TOP 10% OF CLUBS AVERAGED $142.
The above numbers are from the Item 19 section of our Franchise Disclosure Document and cover results from 2018. A more detailed look at the numbers is available in the Business Model eBook provided to franchise candidates. Read Item 19 in its entirety for important defined terms, assumptions, and qualifiers relating to these figures. Franchise offering made by prospectus only, view our Franchise Disclosure Document for details.
OUR SIMPLE
PROCESS
Retro Fitness was at the forefront of the high value/low price (HVLP) movement and remains an industry leader today, which is why our process can be completed as quickly as your schedule will allow.
Once the agreement is executed, our team of seasoned experts can help you find an ideal location, negotiate the lease, build and equip the center, then hand you the keys.
ONE-ON-ONE MEETING
COMPLETE OUR APPLICATION
REVIEW THE FDD
MEET THE TEAM
EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT
FRANCHISEE
QUALIFICATIONS
$500K
LIQUID CAPITAL
$2M
NET WORTH
YES
FINANCING AVAILABLE
DEDICATED
SUPPORT SERVICES
- Comprehensive assistance in site selection
- Prototypical design and conceptual layout
- Virtual and in-person training for franchisees and key managers
- Initial management training and ongoing business consultation
- Pre-sale support on how to best recruit and acquire members prior to grand opening
- Access to corporate management team for business review and performance analysis
- Regular consultation visits
- Dedicated marketing staff ready to assist with marketing and social media planning
- Vendor partnerships and negotiated pricing assistance with major brands like Life Fitness®
ONE OF A KIND
EXPERIENCE
Retro Fitness gyms provide a unique combination of an affordable, $19.99 per month membership with state-of-the-art fitness facilities that feature 35-65 pieces of cardio equipment with personal LCD television screens, three different types of circuit training equipment, Retro Blends Smoothie Bar, child sitting, tanning, hydromassage recovery lounges and pro shop. Add in personal and multiple group training options and Retro Fitness is way more than just your average gym, offering a one-stop shop fitting any fitness enthusiast’s budget.
RETRO FITNESS IN THE NEWS
Retro Fitness has been consistently recognized as one of the nation’s top franchises by numerous publications. This is the primary reason why our franchise opportunity has been talked about in Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, Rolling Stone and The Wall Street Journal along with being featured on MTV, CNN, Fox News and the hit CBS reality series Undercover Boss. See below for the latest news about Retro Fitness.
Retro Fitness Franchise Owner Mike Marinaccio Shares His Enthusiasm on The Joe Piscopo Show
Retro Fitness Franchise Owner Michael Marinaccio discusses the value and variety Retro Fitness offers, the diversity of members and how they inspire each other, and how and why a Wall Street guy got into the gym industry.
Franchisee Warren DeStefano Tells AM-970 Why He Chose Retro Fitness
Retro Fitness Franchise Owner Warren DeStefano discusses how he researched the brand, what sets Retro apart from its biggest competitor, and his amazement at the impact his business has on people’s lives.
Retro Fitness Franchise Owner Stacy McCormack talks fitness with Joe Piscopo
Stacy McCormack partnered with comedian and radio personality Joe Piscopo on a Retro Fitness in Flemington, New Jersey. Watch the pair discuss the business and Valentine’s Day gift-giving etiquette.
Restaurant owners eye new franchise opportunities in fitness amid labor challenges
After 14 years building a multi-brand restaurant empire, Trey Jasenski is branching out. He owns nearly two dozen Subway locations as well as multiple 16 Handles yogurt stores and Auntie Anne’s pretzel shops throughout the Albany, New York area. But a few years ago, he started to invest in gyms. The reason was simple he said: math.
Fitness franchises stepping in to generate foot traffic at retail centers
Commercial landlords are increasingly seeking out fitness clubs as part of their tenant mix, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). The ICSC took a close look at fitness clubs and their growing impact on retail...
Retro Fitness Targets Chicago for Expansion
Gym franchise with a dominant presence in the Northeast already has a foothold in Chicago; planning huge expansion. Retro Fitness, the third-largest gym and fitness franchise in the United States, has targeted Chicago for expansion and is actively seeking...
Retro Fitness Donates 300 New York Yankees Tickets to New York City Schools
Retro Fitness, a low-cost, high-value personalized fitness concept that gives members an elevated workout experience, will soon be available at its newest North Carolina
Retro Fitness Names Former Starbucks Exec CEO
Andrew Alfano to Drive Future Growth and Expansion COLTS NECK, N.J. (July 29, 2019) - Retro Fitness, a leader in the high value, low price fitness space is excited to announce the appointment of Andrew Alfano as CEO. With more than 25 years in retail and franchising,...
How Angel Athenas Became One of the Strongest Special Olympics Powerlifters in the World
The best part: She’s just getting started. It takes a minute for Geri Athenas to mentally calculate the number of powerlifting medals her daughter, Angel Athenas, has earned in just the past three years. First, there were the ones from the local Special...
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
When was Retro Fitness founded?
Retro Fitness was founded in 2005 and began franchising in 2006.
How many locations does Retro Fitness have?
Retro Fitness currently has more than 140 franchise locations open with dozens more in various stages of development.
What territories are available?
There are potential territories available in all 50 states.
How many Retro Fitness franchisees own multiple locations?
More than 55% of existing Retro Fitness franchisees own or have committed to own more than one location.
Do you have an earnings claim?
Yes, it is included in our Business Model eBook, which you can download here.
What build out options exist for a Retro Fitness location?
The model is highly transferable to various venues to include inline and free-standing buildings in retail, residential and industrial areas.
How much does it cost to open a Retro Fitness franchise?
The total project cost of a Retro Fitness club varies from $944,250 to $1,592,500 depending on the size of the space.
What is the estimated initial cash or liquid assets I will need to have?
You will need minimum liquid assets of $500k and a net worth of $1.5MM either individually or cumulatively amongst a group of investors to obtain necessary bank financing.
Does Retro Fitness assist in the design and equipping of my gym?
Yes, Retro Fitness has a “Design Standards Manual” sample floor plan designs and architectural resources to assist in keeping the consistency of the Retro Fitness brand the same throughout the franchise system. In addition, Retro Fitness has a standard equipment package from the industry’s leading manufacturers with substantial discounts to ensure the member experience is similar across all Retro clubs.
Do you offer training?
Yes, we provide training for opening and ongoing operation of your Retro Fitness club. It begins with eight days of training at our corporate headquarters, followed by another eight days of training at your location. Then we stay connected through regular training of your management and staff.
What is the availability of a Retro Fitness location in my area?
Retro Fitness locations are available in all 50 states. The availability of territories will be discussed in full detail prior to signing a franchise agreement.
What are the size requirements for a Retro Fitness?
A typical Retro Fitness outlet is approximately 15,000 to 17,000 square feet and is determined based upon site availability in your preferred market.
Do I need to have prior experience in the gym or fitness industry?
No. In fact, many of our franchisees come from diverse industries and backgrounds with little to no previous industry experience. We will help you hire and train a qualified, knowledgeable team of fitness professionals to best manage club operations.
What are the ongoing royalty fees a franchisee must pay?
5% royalty from the franchised outlet’s total gross revenue.
How much money can I make?
Profitability will vary considerably depending upon such factors as: location, operating costs, financing terms, your ability to manage and control the business, sales and other factors. We do not predict sales or profits for any new locations. We encourage you to discuss this with existing franchisees and your personal advisors.
Will Retro help with the financing process for opening a franchise?
Yes, our dedicated financial broker will work with you in reviewing your finances to determine the best products and services available for financing your Retro Fitness franchise through a network of lenders.
Get the Retro Fitness
Business Model eBook
Qualifications: You and your business partners will need $500,000 in liquid capital and $1.5 million in combined net worth to qualify for a Retro Fitness franchise. To get started, fill out this form.
