The functional fitness centre business Ninja Parc, which is part of the Belgravia Group, has set a goal of opening 10 centres next year.
Speaking to Inside Franchise Business Executive, concept creator and franchisor John Perlo said the business performance during Covid had exceeded expectations however the original business plan has been revised.
“If you asked me six months ago, I wasn’t expecting to be where we are. We learned to manage with the restrictions pretty well.”
Perlo has been pleased with the ongoing success of the two Ninja Parc outlets, one a franchise.
The corporate Newcastle outlet was joined 18 months ago by a centre in Townsville, the first franchised Ninja Parc. After reopening post-Queensland lockdown this centre has been doing “phenomenally well”, says Perlo.
For both sites the results have been better this year than last, he adds.
“A big part of it is in the shutdown, people were craving a new market. People stuck indoors need to be outdoors and interact. This is a natural progression from climbing and park-based work. It’s a good way for the body to move, and people are looking for new activities.”
The pandemic has had some negative impact on the business however, with a half-built site in Melbourne’s Bayswater, and a centre in Chullora, Sydney due to open pre-Covid both put on hold.
But despite the shutdown, enquiries from potential franchisees have remained strong, says Perlo. He expects this to continue, so long as investors have confidence.
Perlo revealed the business will be introducing a smaller format option that through a hub and spoke concept can help franchisees expand their business. The smaller footprint sites are around 600-700 sq m rather than the usual 12-1400 sq m.
“It will be the same style of equipment in a modified program so there are more interchangeable parts. It keeps it fresh for clients too,” he says.
