Gold's Gym vs Retro Fitness Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Gold's Gym vs Retro Fitness including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Gold's Gym Franchise
Retro Fitness Franchise
Investment $22,182,505,000,500$939,250 - $1,600,500
Franchise Fee $40,000$69,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 2%2%
Year Founded 19652002
Year Franchised 19802006
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Gold's Gym Franchise
Retro Fitness Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		• Net worth requirement: $1M+ Cash liquidity requirement: $200K Business Experience: * General business experience

    Financing Options
     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Retro Fitness Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Retro Fitness Franchise
    Training Available at headquarters On-The-Job Training: 50 hours Classroom Training: 20 hours
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsMeetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Regional advertisingAd Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.

    		* 25% of all franchisees own more than one unit * Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10 - 20 * Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (35% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Gold's Gym Franchise
    Retro Fitness Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Gold's Gym

    Bodybuilders training outside on Muscle Beach were the first customers for the original Gold's Gym when it opened in Venice, California, in 1965. With its intense, no-frills atmosphere, the gym soon became known as the 'Mecca of Bodybuilding.' Arnold Schwarznegger's movie 'Pumping Iron' focused on Gold's Gym, propelling it into the spotlight in 1975. Gold's Gym has been franchising since 1980, and franchises account for more than 90 percent of its locations. In addition to running the health club facilities, franchisees sell Gold's Gym licensed apparel through their Pro Shops.

    "franchiserankingscom"
    #61 on Franchise Rankings.com

    "Entrepreneur
    #427 in Franchise 500 for 2020.


    About Retro Fitness

    Eric Casaburi began Retro Fitness with a simple philosophy, "More fitness, Less money, by providing an exciting and inviting environment for exercising, fitting to any fitness enthusiast budget". We are actively looking for qualified entrepreneurs with the motivation and determination to build a successful business.
    A qualified Retro Fitness Franchise candidate appreciates and understands excellent customer service, enjoys interacting with the general public, has a general understanding of management/budgets, has significant financial resources, and is comfortable following established business parameters. Candidates fitting these criteria are invited to take the next step in finding out if a Retro Fitness Franchise is the business opportunity for you by completing our online application. As a Retro Fitness Franchisee you will have the opportunity to reap the rewards that are produced through consistent application of our business practices that benefit our thousands of members everyday. It's an awesome time for Retro Fitness, enjoying the benefits of keeping people healthy and fit while earning a living.
     PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
    A sample of some of the products and services you may offer as a Retro fitness Franchisee include:
     * Full Service Fitness Center including: 50+ pieces of various Cardiovascular equipment. Various CircuitTraining/Strength Training equipment and Free Weights.
     * RetroBlends Juice Bar
     * Personal Training Services
     * Tanning
     * Retro Cardio Movie Theatre
    Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #474 in Franchise 500 for 2020.