Using the health club membership model to revolutionise massage spas A leading US massage spa chain is to start a revolution in the UK massage industry and is looking for an entrepreneur to be at its forefront

Since applying the membership model used by health and fitness clubs to massage spas, the US has experienced a transformation that’s seen massage become a mainstream essential rather than something experienced as a rare treat at a hotel spa.

Massage Heights, a Texas-based franchise with massage retreats across the US and Canada, is bringing this concept to the UK and they’re looking for an entrepreneur to lead the charge.

“We’ve seen a global trend for spas trying to develop new concepts that forge long-term relationships with customers,” says Alice O’Donnell at Massage Heights.

“In the US we’ve successfully transferred the membership model used by the fitness industry to massage spas, so our customers pay a monthly fee for regular professional massages.” But this revolution is based on more than simply having members rather than ad-hoc customers.

Alice says: “Our aim is to make high quality, professional massage and skincare more affordable and accessible, so it becomes a more frequent experience. We locate our retreats in urban areas and open long hours to increase convenience. As a result, what was once considered a treat is now mainstream.”

A rare opportunity to revolutionise an industry
Over the last 10 years, high street massage has become one of the fastest growing industries in the US and now Massage Heights is planning to bring its successful formula across the Atlantic so is looking for a Master Franchisor to grow the chain in the UK.

Alice says: “This is an ideal opportunity for an entrepreneur who’s had experience in the health and fitness industry and understands the membership model and why it’s so powerful. There is growing demand for massage services as studies continually demonstrate the benefits and we’re looking for someone with the energy, skills and finance required to lead an industry revolution by building a franchise network and brand using our proven business model.”

Massage Heights, which launched in 2004, has developed a successful model and consequently has a strong franchise network in the USA and a growing network, run by a Master Franchisor, in Canada. Although the UK Master Franchisor will benefit from using this established formula, they will also have the autonomy to sell franchises and grow the network using the most appropriate tools for the British market. This makes it a flexible low-risk opportunity with potentially high rewards.

UK market is ripe for expansion
Much like the USA a few years ago, the UK currently has an established luxury market, with an aspirational populace. Massage Heights has identified this as the perfect virgin market ripe for expansion.

‘Spa Creators’ 2014 UK Spa Market Analysis report reveals that UK consumers made an estimated 6 million visits to spas across Britain in 2014.

Hotel spas dominate the market and account for 41% of the total number of spas, with fitness clubs making up a further 27% of the market.

With demand for massage services predicted to see significant growth, there is a huge opportunity in the UK to fulfil this increasing demand with local, high quality and affordable massage services.

Proven success
Massage Heights’s retreats generate more dollars per square foot than their competitors. Alice explains why: “In a nutshell, our success is based on us developing a reputation for providing the best experience in the massage industry. Our franchise network has a culture of customer care and we’re all focused on providing high quality, affordable and convenient therapeutic services.”

Retreats in the Massage Heights network are designed to bring five-star resort style massage services to the high street and they do this by offering high quality professional massages with well-trained therapists in an environment which mirrors the spa experience from the interior design to the linen.

As customers become members and pay a monthly fee, based on multiple levels of membership, the network of franchisees benefit not only from the recurring income, but also from upselling the desirable product lines and add-on services, much the same as the health and fitness club model.

Help us to drive massage to new heights
Are you the ambitious business leader with the commercial skills to bring this revolution to the UK market?

If so, you could be the person responsible for leading the commoditisation of the spa industry in the UK by rolling out the Massage Heights franchise network.