Competition `Knot' a Problem for Local Business Developer & Up-and-Coming Massage Membership Franchise
March 17, 2010 // Franchising.com // Mission Viejo, CA – Local business developers Ron and Donna Lang Stoffel just announced plans to open 18+ Massage Heights locations in Inland Orange County and Riverside County over the next five years, treating tense, stressed-out consumers to a luxury spa massage experience at an affordable monthly rate.
Executives of the San Antonio-based franchise company say Inland Orange County and Riverside County are prime areas for expansion based on 34 key components of research showing an ideal match to Orange County and Riverside County's population, psychographics, demographics, economic climate, spending habits, competitive landscape, real estate, etc. The couples first showcase retreat will be located in South Orange County.
The projected locations will join 288 more Massage Heights in various stages of development. The company expects to open 1,620 new locations within the next five years. The average cost to open a Massage Heights is between $185,000 to $412,000 with a franchise fee of $42,000. Both single and multi units are available, with area developer franchise options.
"With 25 million more Americans each year getting a massage today than a decade ago, the room for growth is limitless,' said Donna Lang Stoffel, area developer for Massage Heights. "Furthermore, due to the size of our territories, Massage Heights has the ability to open three units in most markets to our competitor's every one location."
The rapidly growing membership-model massage franchise has tapped into a virtual goldmine segment: consumers receive approximately 230 million massage sessions annually, making massage therapy one of the fastest growing industries in the nation.
Clients who visit Massage Heights are quickly addicted to the experience. According to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), repeat visits for massage therapy range between 78 percent and 81 percent; Massage Heights boasts a 90 percent customer retention rate in each of its open locations.
"We appeal to people seeking to relieve anxiety or stress or back or muscle pain issues, as well as licensed massage therapists looking to improve their lifestyle with set hours and consistent traffic," said Stoffel, noting that Massage Heights facilities are open seven days a week, days and evenings, with drop-ins available.
The median price for a one-hour massage is $60 (ABMP) Massage Heights offers a monthly one-hour massage for a monthly membership fee between $49.99 and 59.99 (depending on the market) with each additional one-hour massage for only $39.99. Elevated services also are available, which include aromatherapy sessions, foot scrubs and stone facial massages. Massage Heights also offers a line of soothing products so members can continue the tranquil experience at home.
Massage Heights was launched in 2004 by husband and wife founders, Shane and Wayne Evans. After a successful 14-year career in the physical fitness field, Wayne Evans decided to further explore the lifestyle improving field of massage therapy. After establishing Massage Heights in Alamo Heights, TX, the company experienced soaring success. Shane Evans quickly left the marketing field in pursuit of the booming business.
About Massage Heights
Founded in 2004, Massage Heights is the premium massage retreat that offers a tranquil atmosphere, experienced staff, soothing services and convenience at an affordable price. Massage Heights is reaching dramatic elevations in an exploding industry, focused on providing affordable luxury products and services for the mind, spirit and body. With nearly 60 operating franchises, company plans call for 288 more by 2010, with a total of 1,620 locations within the next five years.
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