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The Little Gym

Children's development/fitness program

Background

Founded: 1976 Franchising since: 1992
After teaching grade school in public schools for years, Robin Wes used his physical education, psychology and motor development degrees to open The Little Gym in 1976. Although it started out focusing on physical education, the program has evolved to focus on children's intellectual and social development as well.

Today Little Gym offers programs for various age levels, including Parent & Child, Developmental Gymnastics, Karate and Sports Skills Development. Franchises also hold birthday parties, summer camps, Creative Crafts Adventures and Parent's Survival Nights.

7001 N. Scottsdale Rd., #1050
Scottsdale, Arizona 85253
Phone:
(888)228-2878/ (480)948-2878


Franchisor has 39 employee(s); 6 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth
Year U.S. Franchises Canadian Franchises Foreign Franchises Company Owned
2009 261 14 37 0
2008 265 9 36 0
2007 242 5 37 0
2006 212 4 38 0
2005 176 2 35 0

Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin
Outside the U.S.: Asia, Australia/new zealand, Canada, Central america, Eastern europe, Middle east, Mexico, South america, Western europe

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 10,000-15,000 children

Costs and Fees

Total investment: $127.5K-294K
Franchise fee: $19.5K-69.5K
Ongoing royalty fee: 8%
Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable


Type of Financing Available
In-House Third Party
Franchise Fee No Yes
Startup Costs No Yes
Equipment No Yes
Inventory No Yes
Accounts Receivable No Yes
Payroll No Yes

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $200K
Cash liquidity requirement: $75K
Business Experience:
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

Operations
  • 23.5% of all franchisees own more than one unit
  • Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 7
  • Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training and Support

Training
  • Available at headquarters: 2 weeks
  • At franchisee's location: 5 days
  • Existing franchise location : 1 week

Ongoing Support
  • Newsletter
  • Meetings
  • Toll-free phone line
  • Grand opening
  • Internet
  • Security/safety procedures
  • Field operations/evaluations
  • Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support
  • Ad slicks
  • National media
  • Regional advertising

Other marketing support
  • National & local PR support, online marketing

Rankings

Franchise 500® rank:
#126 (2009); #145 (2008); #140 (2007); #411 (2006); #349 (2005);

Ranked #1 in category in:
2009; 2008; 2007;

America's Top Global Franchises:
#98 (2009); #112 (2008); #108 (2007);


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