GapMaps survey shows net reduction of seven fitness clubs across Australia in last quarter

Newly released figures from retail intelligence platform GapMaps shows 51 new fitness clubs opened and 57 closed across Australia for the quarter ending 31st March – a net reduction of seven centres in the period.

However, despite this net decline, GapMaps’ quarterly Health & Fitness network report shows that the sector maintained strong growth over 12 months, with an overall net increase of 48 centres.

Monitoring 21 brands in 3,218 locations across Australia, GapMaps tracking revealed that tracked, Fitstop Australia (plus nine) and F45 (plus eight) led centre openings in the quarter, while F45 (-10), Plus Fitness (minus seven) and EFM Health Clubs (minus seven) recorded the most centre closures.

At a state level, NSW saw most store openings with 18, while Queensland recorded the most closures with 20.

Commenting on the findings, GapMaps Senior Analyst, Scott Johnson stated “despite this net decline, the sector has maintained strong growth over 12 months, with an overall net increase of 48 centres.

“This growth has been driven primarily by Fitstop Australia (+38 openings, no closures) and Body Fit Training Australia (+34 openings, no closures).

“This latest data continues to illustrate how brands are adjusting their network portfolio to cater for demographic changes as they look for optimum locations across the country.

“Our GapMaps Live platform continues to provide network planners with the very latest data to help them make more informed decisions on where to open and close their fitness centres, and get timely insights into the changing competitive landscape across the sector.”

Founded in 2013, GapMaps is an Australian built and owned company that makes it easy for businesses to make better location decisions by integrating the latest socio demographic, economic, customer and competitor intel on one simple-to-use platform called GapMaps Live.

Click here to download the latest GapMaps report.