Franchise FAQ

what happened to the curves franchise

by Cordie Heidenreich Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Since 2021, Curves International Inc. has closed thousands of its franchise locations. Curves locations have shrunk by a third in the U.S., with 5,208 sites at the end of 2021, down from 7,748 at the beginning of 2021. More than 1,000 Curves chains closed in 2021, while just 35 new locations opened.

Full Answer

How long has curves been in business?

Together they began to franchise this wonderful concept and opened the first franchise in 1995. At the end of the first year, there were 50 franchise locations. Curves reached 1,000 locations within 36 months and nearly 10,000 locations in just 10 years.

Is Curves International a franchise?

Curves International. Curves International, also known as Curves for Women, Curves Fitness, or just Curves, is an international fitness franchise co-founded by Gary and Diane Heavin in 1992. In October 2006, Curves was said to have had over 10,000 locations worldwide, with 7,848 of those locations in the United States.

What happened to Curves fitness centers?

While Curves fitness centers have been pretty easy to find in shopping centers all across the country, that has been rapidly changing in recent years. Since 2021, Curves International Inc. has closed thousands of its franchise locations.

Why are all the curves locations closing?

More than 1,000 Curves chains closed in 2021, while just 35 new locations opened. While franchisees and industry experts say that the closings are due to a failure to keep up with changing fitness trends (flexible hours, cheaper options), the company disagrees.

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Why did Curves shut down?

Courtesy of Curves International Inc. Franchisees and industry experts point to a failure to keep up with changing trends—including more flexible hours for busy working women—cheaper competition and the tough economy as major reasons for Curves' decline.

Are Curves coming back?

If you're keen to stay on top of interior trends for 2022, you've come to the right place. Curves have never been more popular; with curved furniture, accessories and design expected to remain a top trend all year long.

How many Curves are left in the United States?

It has 173 open locations in the United States. That number grows to 248 when Canada, Australia and New Zealand are added. This year, the company opened three new locations with a fourth to open soon.

How much did Curves sell for?

For A Grand Total Of $6.4 Million. Which is approximately what Gary Heavin, the founder and CEO of Curves For Women, was getting. FYI: Curves For Women was created for women, offering a complete fitness and nutrition solution. The famous Curves 30 minute workout started it all.

What is the furniture trend for 2022?

“2022 is going to be full of round-edged, organically shaped furniture,” Kirsten Conner, principal designer at Kirsten Connor Interior Design, says, and other designers agree. “We are seeing lots of curves in furniture to provide an environment of comfort and calm,” Bartone says.

Is Curves a good workout?

Curves is a great option for women who are total beginners to fitness and need a safe space to get their bearings. The workouts are easy to follow and the instructors are top notch. You'll likely see good weight loss and basic fitness results your first few months with Curves.

How much is a Curves franchise worth?

Curves is a fitness business geared toward women with about 4 million members at over 10,000 locations found around the world....Facts & Figures.Liquid capital required$50,000Net worth required$75,000Investment$45,595 - $75,295Franchise fee$36,045Units in operation4,874

Who founded Curves?

Gary HeavinDiane HeavinCurves International, Inc./Founders

Were there gyms in the 80s?

Before the 1980s, gyms and health clubs were mostly for bodybuilders and serious athletes. But in the early 1980s, they became big business. Gym-going was part of a broader culture of the self. You weren't just pumping iron or doing aerobics, you were engaging in self improvement.

How long is a Curves workout?

30 minutesThe Curves program was created to give you an effective total body workout in just 30 minutes! Curves incorporates both upper body and lower body strength training exercises, cardio moves, and stretching, allowing you to work every major muscle group.

How much is a Curves membership UK?

If you pay by direct debit, it's £30 a month. You have to be there for a year, or can cancel early for £50. If you go by the "manual" payment, it's £40 a month (you hand it directly to them), and you cancel whenever you like.

How many Planet Fitness locations are there?

There are 2,249 Planet Fitness locations in the United States as of October 17, 2022. The state with the most number of Planet Fitness locations in the US is California, with 179 locations, which is about 8% of all Planet Fitness locations in the US.

Where can I watch curves?

Curves, a drama series starring Raven Goodwin, Nzinga Imani, and Zsane Jhe is available to stream now. Watch it on BET on your Roku device.

How do I cancel my curves on demand?

For cancellation terms related to membership for MyCurves On Demand purchased or serviced through a local Curves club, please contact the local club. All inquiries must be directed to the local Curves club where the MyCurves On Demand membership was purchased.

How to buy a curves franchise?

There are two ways to buy a Curves franchise: 1) Buy a new franchise territory where there is not a franchise in operation, or 2) Buy an existing Curves owned by a franchisee who is considering selling the club. Franchise Gator offers many other health and fitness franchises for sale in our comprehensive directory.

How many calories does a curve burn?

The Curves 30 minute workout targets every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories through a program of strength training, cardio and stretching.

How many curves are closed in 2021?

Since 2021, Curves International Inc. has closed thousands of its franchise locations. Curves locations have shrunk by a third in the U.S., with 5,208 sites at the end of 2021, down from 7,748 at the beginning of 2021. More than 1,000 Curves chains closed in 2021, while just 35 new locations opened. While franchisees and industry experts say that ...

Why are curves closing?

While franchisees and industry experts say that the closings are due to a failure to keep up with changing fitness trends (flexible hours, cheaper options), the company disagrees. According to Curves President Mike Raymond, they are closing Curves locations as a way to “prune the system.”.

How many members does Curves have in 2021?

At the end of 2021, Curves was one of the most poplar fitness centers, with almost four million members across the globe.

How much does a curves club cost?

Members are prompted by an audio tape to move from machine to machine for a 30-minute workout. Monthly dues range from $29 to $49, depending on the market.

Is there always a recession?

While there is always the recession to consider, potential business miscues seem to be a recurring theme among those in the know.

What is a curve royalty?

Curves charges a monthly franchise royalty and a monthly advertising royalty that are based on a percentage of gross revenues. In both cases, we have established a ceiling that represents the maximum royalty that a franchisee would pay in a given month, and a floor that represents the minimum amount. We feel this is the most equitable approach for all franchisees since it insures that no one pays too much, but everyone at least pays something.

What did Gary and Diane do for women?

Gary recognized a need and an opportunity to help prevent deteriorating health and potential illness by caring for people through proper fitness. Diane had a passion for exercise and the experience of an advertising executive. They realized that women across the world would benefit from the Curves program.

How many women are in the Curves gym?

Curves has made exercise available to over 4 million women around the world, many of whom are in the gym for the first time. With 10,000 locations in more than 44 countries, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise and the tenth largest of all franchise companies in the world.

How much does it cost to franchise curves?

The cost of a low investment Curves Franchise is $29,900 with delivery of the Curves equipment ranging from $3,000- $5,000. When you come to Texas for training, you will be provided other materials such as wall charts, music, cue tapes, start up forms, supplies, and specialized training in the operation your club. Other costs that you may incur in opening your Franchise include but may not be limited to, a lease, lease space finish out, stereo system, deposits on utilities, telephones, computers and local advertising, all of which will be purchased from third party vendors. Since Curves does not maintain an office in your state, you will also incur travel expenses to Texas for training.

How many square feet are in a curves franchise?

A Curves franchise can operate in a space as small as 1,000 square feet which keeps rent and other operating costs as low as possible. Payroll expenses are minimal when a franchise owner-operator hires a young person or student to work Monday through Friday evenings.

How many Curves franchises were there in 1995?

Together they began to franchise this wonderful concept and opened the first franchise in 1995. At the end of the first year, there were 50 franchise locations. Curves reached 1,000 locations within 36 months and nearly 10,000 locations in just 10 years.

How many countries are there in the world for curves?

Curves is now located in 55 countries on 6 continents.

What are the charities that Curves supports?

Curves supports and has partnered with several major charitable organizations in North America and Australasia, including the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Council Australia, WomenAgainstAlzheimer's, Jean Hailes for Women's Health and Look Good Feel Better New Zealand. Curves has been recognized for its charitable efforts, including awards from the American Cancer Society in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2014.

What is curves fitness?

Curves fitness and weight loss facilities are designed specifically for and focused on women. The program is designed around circuit training, which utilizes hydraulic resistance equipment to achieve results. The strength training regimen is combined with cardiovascular training for a full body workout, with each class led by a ‘Curves Coach’. There are four speciality classes, each of which is designed for different fitness levels from low intensity to high intensity, with one of the high intensity classes utilizing traditional boxing moves. All speciality classes emphasize strength-based functional movements.

What episode does Marge open a gym?

Curves has been parodied in The Simpsons in the episode " Husbands and Knives ", in which Marge opens a successful franchise of a gym called Shapes, and in an episode of South Park entitled " D-Yikes! ". In The New Adventures of Old Christine, Christine owns a gym extremely similar to Curves - a franchised 30-minute gym for women where a recorded voice tells them to "change stations" every 30 seconds.

When did Curves International get publicity?

In 2004, Curves International and its franchisees received some mixed and unwanted publicity stemming from articles about the charitable contributions of founder Gary Heavin.

Where is Curves headquarters?

In 2018 with the sale of Curves International by North Castle Partners to Koshidaka Holdings, Curves North America and Oceania headquarters relocated back to Waco, TX.

Who sold Curves International?

In 2012, Gary Heavin stepped down as CEO and sold the business to North Castle Partners. In 2018, North Castle Partners sold Curves International to Koshidaka Holdings (Curves Japan) while retaining Curves North America and Oceania. Krishea Holloway, was appointed President of Curves on 22 November 2018. On 15 August 2019, in a deal between North Castle Partners, existing Shareholders and Holloway, Curves DF Holdings sold the business to Holloway.

Where is North Castle located?

The company is privately held by its co-founders and North Castle, with its headquarters located in Waco, Texas and corporate offices located with sister North Castle company Jenny Craig in Carlsbad, California.

How long is a curve for women?

FYI: Curves For Women was created for women, offering a complete fitness and nutrition solution. The famous Curves 30 minute workout started it all. That’s because in only 30 minutes time, women can participate in a group workout designed to target all the major muscle groups…and burn 500 calories. Good stuff!

How many curves were there in 2011?

By 2011,Curves only had about 4,000 locations in the US. What happened?

Is it hard to run a curve?

Many Curves were owned by women, some were housewives, some were bankers, some were nurses, etc. Running a Curves is not hard. Managing income/expenses is not hard. Building and maintaining a membership at a gym is hard when you only offer one service and the same workout for 20 years.

Is franchisee number tough to come by?

As of this writing, franchisee numbers are tough to come by.

Who is the president of Curves DF?

Curves DF Holdings is pleased to announce the sale of the business to current President, Krishea Holloway. An agreement to acquire all shares was reached between North Castle Partners, existing Shareholders, and Holloway. They closed the transaction in August.

Who is the CEO of curves for women?

Which is approximately what Gary Heavin, the founder and CEO of Curves For Women, was getting.

Who is the franchise king?

I’m The Franchise King®, Joel Libava. I'm the author of two helpful books on researching and buying a franchise. In addition, I'm a franchise ownership advisor who works 1-on-1 with people interested in buying a franchise, safely. You can get even more helpful tips by subscribing to my free VIP Franchise Newsletter.

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Overview

Curves International, also known as Curves for Women, Curves Fitness, or just Curves, is an international fitness franchise co-founded by Gary and Diane Heavin in 1992. As of May 31, 2019, Curves lists 367 franchise locations open in the United States on their Facebook page.
In 2012, North Castle Partners, a private equity firm, purchased a controlling st…

History

Curves was founded by Gary Heavin and his wife, Diane. They opened their first Curves in Harlingen, Texas, in 1992. This new concept of 30-minute fitness, strength training, weight-loss guidance, and an environment designed for women was immediately successful. They began to develop plans for franchising the concept, with the first opening in 1999. Curves once claimed to be the world's largest fitness franchise and was recognized as one of the 10 largest franchise co…

Curves Leadership

In 2012, Gary Heavin stepped down as CEO and sold the business to North Castle Partners. In 2018, North Castle Partners sold Curves International to Koshidaka Holdings (Curves Japan) while retaining Curves North America and Oceania. Krishea Holloway, was appointed President of Curves on 22 November 2018. On 15 August 2019, in a deal between North Castle Partners, existing Shareholders and Holloway, Curves DF Holdings sold the business to Holloway.

MyCurves On Demand

Like many gym and health club chains, Curves was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many clubs in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand closing temporarily or permanently. To manage the crisis and enable members to continue working out, Curves was able to offer their 30-minute total body workouts online with ‘MyCurves On Demand’, a virtual workout platform which launched in January 2020.

Research at Baylor University

In 2002, the Exercise & Sports Nutrition Laboratory at Baylor University began researching the efficacy of the Curves fitness and weight loss program. Curves awarded the ESNL a $5 million, five-year grant to start the Curves Women's Health Initiative.
In 2008 this grant funding moved with Dr. Richard Kreider to the Texas A&M University.

Gary Heavin's charitable contributions

In 2004, Curves International and its franchisees received some mixed and unwanted publicity stemming from articles about the charitable contributions of founder Gary Heavin.
In an interview with Christianity Today, Heavin was quoted as saying that he donates money to "pro-life pregnancy care centers."
The San Francisco Chronicle printed an article by Ruth Rosen, accusing Heavin of supporting milit…

Curves Charitable Contributions

Curves supports and has partnered with several major charitable organizations in North America and Australasia, including the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Council Australia, WomenAgainstAlzheimer's, Jean Hailes for Women's Health and Look Good Feel Better New Zealand. Curves has been recognized for its charitable efforts, including awards from the American Cancer Society in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Buyout-related lawsuit

In 2005, six plaintiffs brought a suit against Curves, Gary Heavin, and Roger Schmidt (the company's attorney) for $20 million. The plaintiffs claimed that Heavin cheated them out of their share of profits by him and Roger Schmidt pressuring them to sign a buyout contract allotting them a fraction of what they might have earned.
Most of the plaintiffs were hired as independent sales reps after Curves had already opened hun…

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