JD Gyms poised for growth

Retail megabrand JD Sports, which announced its entry into the gym market with the launch of its new JD Gyms brand in early 2014, has outlined plans for expansion in 2015.

Due to launch its second club in December 2014 in Liverpool city centre - within a Grade II listed three-storey property – the growing chain expects to open a further two sites in Q1 2015.

"Following this, we're looking to roll out further sites for the next year. However, we're also open to expansion through acquisition," said JD Gyms MD Alun Peacock.

JD Gyms will generally be 15,000 to 35,000sq ft sites located in high population centres, with a variety of equipment from different manufacturers rather than a reliance on one as part of a ‘best in class’ strategy.

"For the time being, the gyms will not be located within JD Sports stores, but this is not ruled out," added Peacock. Memberships will cost between £15 and £20 a month, with innovative décor using retail shop fitting experience, and a big emphasis on group exercise, with a dedicated main studio, group cycling studio and gym floor-based programme.