After a prolonged recession, 2014 has been brighter for most, with the economy finally turning a corner and both consumer confidence and the housing market picking up.
In the fitness industry, the low-cost sector had another strong year, growing 21 per cent according to the latest Mintel research. But will the improvement in the economy mean the affordable clubs will lose their appeal, with people trading up to more expensive brands? Not at all, according to CEO of The Gym Group John Treharne. “I would expect the market to at least double and for there to be some new entrants in 2015,” he says. “I think – as has happened in other markets such as airlines, hotels and retail – there will be more growth at the premium end but also significant growth at the low-cost end of the market.
“Research shows value for money is here to stay: people don’t automatically go for a more expensive brand in good economic times.”
Another feature of 2014 has been the growth of boutique clubs – the so-called microgyms – where members pay premium prices for a small, personal, high spec club that focuses on one discipline. Will we see new entrants into this sector? How will the products evolve and will more niches emerge?
The obesity crisis has never been far from the news headlines this year.
Despite health club penetration levels nudging up very slightly, the nation – and indeed the world – is getting fatter. Will we start to see some progress with this problem next year, with new ideas brought forward on how to effect behaviour change on a mass scale?
Last but definitely not least, on the back of growing consumer interest in wearable technology, the Apple Watch will go on sale in 2015. What impact will such products continue to have on the industry? Will tech-savvy consumers take workouts into their own hands, bypassing the expertise of gyms – and maybe even gyms themselves – or will operators learn to take advantage of the technology? We ask the experts....
