Ingo Huppenbauer and Dr. Björn Schultheiss, the founders of the two franchise brands fitbox and KREUZRETTER have launched another franchise model with FITOMAT. FITOMAT are fitness studios that can be operated almost without personnel.
FITOMAT is the idea of establishing a smart, digital and nearly staff-less fitness studio in nearly every rural region in Germany.
The first FITOMAT gym opened in Rhede in early 2022 under the brand name "FITTY." The name was changed to "FITOMAT" at the end of 2022, followed by further studio openings in Füchtorf, Lychen, Rehfelde and Waldbreitbach. In 2023, further openings will follow in Aarburg, Altena, Crivitz, Eisenberg, Gössweinstein, Lahr, Löffingen, Stelle and Wallersdorf.
What makes the business concept stand out?
With FITOMAT, those responsible are bringing fitness to the far corners of the country. There, where up to now no fitness offer exists and at the same time no competition is at the start.
The modern fitness studio concept provides for a small training area and was developed in such a way that no staff is required. Sauna, juice bar or course room are not part of the equipment. Nevertheless, FITOMAT offers everything people need to ambitiously work on their fitness. Thus, the concept already pays off with a small membership base.
Why digital and without staff?
The reality is that with most fitness studio concepts, start-ups have to be constantly present themselves. What's more, hardly any other industry is as plagued by staff turnover as the fitness industry. The result: a high expenditure of time and money.
FITOMAT offers the following advantages
- Low start-up risk due to multiple pilot studios and top support
- Only a few hours of time per week
- Low investment sum required
- Faster break-even (in the pilot studios on average only 3 weeks so far) due to low costs, e.g. good leasing deals, low commercial rent and lucrative purchasing conditions
- Personal support from decision to studio opening and operation
- Strong, very established umbrella brand (fitbox GmbH) with already over 120 successful locations in Germany & Austria
- Easy scaling possibilities to quickly become market leader in the region
- 15 full-time consultants at headquarters, always available to answer questions
Source and image source: BODYMEDIA
Published on: 25 June 2023