The Little Gym
Children's development/fitness programBackground
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.
Franchisor has 39 employee(s); 6 employee(s) in franchise department.
Franchise Growth
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
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
Ongoing Support
Marketing Support
Other marketing support
- 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);
#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);