HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo., Dec. 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After growing to more than 150 studios in the U.S. – with one new location opening each week on average – Elements Massage announced today the launch of a franchise expansion strategy for Canada. By the end of 2014, Elements expects to sell 20 Canadian franchise licenses and open five studios in Toronto and three additional locations in Calgary.
Company executives cite the growing demand for massage therapy services throughout Canada as well as an increasing number of inquiries from Canadian-based franchisee prospects as the key drivers behind the company's first push for international development.
"Our goal is to help consolidate the fragmented massage industry in Canada and become the country's largest provider of therapeutic massage services," said Scott Wendrych, Chief Franchise Development Officer for Elements. "We are now able to satisfy the requests we've received over the years from investors who want to open Elements Massage studios and bring customized massage therapy services to their communities."
While many massage therapy businesses offer supplemental spa services and product lines, Elements focuses on one thing: providing the most customized and therapeutic massage in the industry. Elements Massage licensed therapists provide more than 1 million massages annually, and the number continues to grow as consumers increasingly choose massage to find relief from pain and stress or simply to relax.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) more Americans are incorporating massage therapy into their regular health and wellness regimens to assist with medical conditions. 75 percent of consumers surveyed in August 2013 claim their primary reason for receiving a massage was medical (43 percent) or stress-related (32 percent).
Elements has listened to its consumers and perfected a service path that meets the unique needs of each client, whether they seek massage for stress relief, pain relief or relaxation. Based on U.S. massage industry research, Elements members report more than 50 percent higher satisfaction levels than users of other massage brands. In fact, Elements has consistently earned a Net Promoter Score from its clients of approximately 80 percent. The differentiated level of service has fueled membership growth at existing Elements locations with same store sales up more than 14 percent from 2012.
"Our franchisees are reaping the financial rewards of operating a turnkey business in the booming health and wellness sector, but they are also personally rewarded knowing they are making a positive impact in people's lives," said Wendrych. "We're eager to find business-savvy individuals looking for a new career to join us in expanding the Elements brand in Canada."
For potential Canadian franchisees, Elements boasts a lower investment and cost structure with a smaller footprint, less build-out and lower rent than competitors in the massage retail space. The business model allows franchise owners to focus on building revenues and additional studios while studio managers handle day to day operations. The investment required to open a single Elements Massage franchise ranges from $233,000 to $399,000; multi-unit franchise opportunities are currently available in Toronto and Calgary.
ABOUT WELLBIZ BRANDS, INC.
WellBiz Brands, Inc. is headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and is one of the largest wellness franchise organizations in the United States. The company owns Fitness Together Franchise Corporation (Fitness Together), which franchises one-on-one and small group personal physical fitness training studios, and Elements Therapeutic Massage, Inc. (Elements), which franchises Elements Massage studios, providing custom therapeutic massage to meet clients' individual needs.
Fitness Together began franchising in 1996 and currently has 209 locations across the United States. Elements began franchising in 2006 and has 159 locations in 29 states. For more information about Fitness Together, please visit www.fitnesstogether.com . For more information about Elements Massage, please visit www.elementsmassage.com or www.elementsfranchise.com for details about the franchise opportunity.
Media Contact: Monica Rutkowski Fishman Public Relations (847) 945-1300 x235
