Xponential Fitness, the franchisor behind brands such as CycleBar and Club Pilates has announced the signing of a master franchise agreement for its CycleBar brand in Japan. The brand signed with the same master franchisee of Club Pilates, and gives them the right to license a minimum of 30 CycleBar studios across Japan over the next ten years. The first location is expected to open in 2023.
“The timing is excellent for us to bring the immersive experience of CycleBar to Japan,” said Shimabukuro.
“Japanese customers have an increasing interest in fitness and commitment to their health, and are seeking new and innovative options for their workout routines like CycleBar. Our team’s goal is to build CycleBar and Club Pilates into the most recognized and popular boutique fitness brands in Japan.”
“Japan is among the world’s top ten fitness markets, and we are confident that CycleBar will become one of the country’s top boutique fitness brands under Naoki’s leadership,” said John Kersh, chief international development officer of Xponential Fitness.
“His early success with Club Pilates is a testament to the growing enthusiasm for boutique fitness from Japanese consumers.”
The master franchisee is Naoki Shimabukuro, CEO of Club Pilates Japan Co. Ltd. In addition to his role as a master franchisee for two of Xponential Fitness’ brands, Shimabukuro is also the founder of Idealink Corporation, an internet media and franchise marketing agency, and organized the 2016 International Franchise Expo in Tokyo. He plans to continue growing the Club Pilates brand across Japan, and already has eight locations open.
Xponential Fitness most recently signed a master franchise deal to bring its StretchLab, Rumble and AKT brands to Mexico, read more here.
