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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Lucille Roberts Fitness Express vs Urbana Wellness Spa including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $271,850 - $402,400 | $420,000 - $500,000 |
Franchise Fee | $25,000 | N/A |
Royalty Fee | 6% | - |
Advertising Fee | 12% | - |
Year Founded | 1970 | 2006 |
Year Franchised | 2005 | 2014 |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
Renewal Fee | $2.5K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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Experience | Active operators who have strong work ethics, focus on excellent spa services and guest experiences, and love hosting spa parties. Ready to embrace the mission of enriching peoples' lives by creating the kind of wellness spa experiences that demand an encore. Prior business experience, financial qualifications, motivation, team spirit and a track record of personal success. * Collective net worth of at least $500,000, with liquid assets greater than $150,000 (liquidity being defined as cash or any asset that could be converted to cash within ten business days). * Ability to satisfactorily pass background checks for the following: reasonable credit worthiness, no criminal convictions, no history of extensive litigation, and satisfactory motor vehicle report. * Willingness of all investors to personally guarantee any obligations that are required under the license agreement. * Belief that guest experience is of critical importance in spa business. | |
Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | No/No | -/- |
Start-up Costs | No/No | -/- |
Equipment | Yes/No | -/- |
Inventory | No/No | -/- |
Receivables | No/No | -/- |
Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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Training | - | Available at Central Office: 2 weeks. Additional 1 week training on location. |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | The Urbana franchise program uses a specialist system by providing expert guidance to each spa's functional lead personnel. Once every week or on a biweekly basis, our specialist will touch base with each spa's counterpart to ensure that each franchise location is tracking critical key metrics and offering best practices that have been tried and tested in resolving issues at hand. |
Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks | - |
Operations |
Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. | - |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | - | - |
Canada Expansion | No | - |
International Expansion | Yes | - |
Inspired by a love of aerobics classes and a dream, Lucille Roberts opened her first gym in 1969. She took what seemed like millions of group aerobics classes before realizing that although the classes were
predominantly women, the fitness clubs lacked a specific camaraderie
that she craved. A pioneer of female empowerment, Lucille sought to
create gyms that fostered a positive environment where women could come
together to work out, meet new friends, and get inspired. An inspiration
herself, Lucille Roberts was tough both in and out of the gym; rumor
has it she would complete sets of curls while on conference calls and
challenge coworkers to push up contests on Fridays.
Recognizing a gap in the industry and a convenient location accessible to shoppers
and commuters alike, she opened her first gym near the famed Macy’s
flagship at Herald Square. Lucille's goal was to offer affordable gyms
tailored specifically for women who needed to use their gym time
productively. Shopping could be a workout itself, but she knew that
women were capable of so much more than shoulder pads and pants suits.
Thus the Lucille Roberts customer was born. No longer did she need to
maneuver around men lifting weights or spend hundreds on memberships
dedicated to spa-like experiences in order to complete a proper workout.
Today, Lucille Roberts prides itself on offering the most current,
in-demand classes to cater to its busy and informed clientele. Lucille Roberts is seeking both men and women franchisees to join our growing brand. Candidates should have business sales or management sales experience, but do not need to have a health club, fitness or wellness background. Prospective franchisees can either be active owner-operators or semi-passive investors looking to diversify their
portfolio through this unique franchise investment.
Also, franchisees should share a common goal with Lucille Roberts,
which includes building a strong brand and a profitable business in
an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Lucille Roberts began as a family business of women's fitness
centers and we like to think of our franchisees and members as part of
our extended family. To our members and guests, we are more than just
a health club - we're a source of wellness where nutrition, weight loss
and exercise become the foundation for a healthier lifestyle.
Our success is a result of our low membership fees with no
contracts, our smaller facility size (approximately 4,500 to 6,000
square feet) and our location in centers with national, daily-need and
female-oriented retailers in both suburban and metro markets.