Franchise Pick features the sad story of the demise and closing of the Curves for Women franchise in Kailu, HI despite the franchise owner’s valiant struggle.
(Read: CURVES FOR WOMEN: Paradise Lost as Hawaiian Curves Franchise Closes)
Franchise owner Robbi Ugini closed the Curves for Women franchise location in Kailua earlier this month, leaving some 270 members in the lurch and her 5 employees suddenly jobless.
According to Honolulu Star Bulletin reporter Nina Woo, “A corporate spokeswoman for Curves did not return calls by press time…” Reporter Woo was able to get a reaction from a local business broker who has been trying to help struggling franchise owners for the past several years.
In Woo’s article, the broker reportedly categorizes the Curves franchise as a fad whose time has passed, and the Curves International franchisor as insensitive and uncaring to the plight of its failing franchise owners:
Mark Heilbron, a business broker at VR Mergers & Acquisitions, categorized Curves as a trendy kind of business.
Heilbron said he sold two Curves franchises over the last three years, but had several listed this last year that never sold.
“It’s a faddish type of business,” he said. “They made a lot of money and then when the trend went out, people who were still in them lost a lot of money.”
While buyers are more cautious in these economic times, Heilbron said they are still out there, with money they’d rather invest in a business than in the volatile stock market.
“Most people get talked into buying a franchise, and you’ve got to realize, depending on who the franchisor is, that most don’t care whether the franchisee makes it or not,” he said.
The story raises many disturbing questions.
Why was Woo allowed to sign 2-year lease for what is assumedly a 10-year franchise?
What assistance did the franchisor provide to keep her from failing?
Will CCI charge Robbi Ugini the $10,000 “failure fee” for prematurely closing her franchise?
If so, will that money be used to repay members who might be due refunds?
Is the Curves website accurate in stating “With a Curves franchise, you’ll be in business for yourself, not by yourself…”?
Read more about Curves at: FranchisePick.Com
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View Comments
unhappy guest on 4-16 @ 11:50 - you need to go to anger managment.
I knew before I ever bought a Curves that the life expectance was 2-5 years if your lucky! Don’t blame Gary for your poor judgement into getting into a business.
DID GARY EVER SHARE THAT TIDBIT THAT YOU WERE SO AWARE OF WITH HIS FRANCHISE OWNERS?
To guest,
You certainly have a right to give an opinion here on this board but you really need to provide some facts to substance ate your opinion which you haven't done so far. If you read all the posts here you will see why we make the statement that Howie is an unethical, immoral, cheat and liar. We have the facts to prove it by the way he has treated his franchisee and the result of, them is the over 800 clubs that closed last year. This year could be the last year for Curves if they continue to close at the alarming rate that they have since the first of the year. Give us some facts on why you think this disgusting man is honest. When you are done trying to come up with one thing do a google search and see his past and then read all the posts here and I’ll bet you will change your mind .
Gary didn't have to tell me this info. Hell I don't think he had "Really" background in the industry before starting Curves. My knowledge comes from common sense and having been in the fitness industry prior to my time in Curves in regards to knowing what the typical shelf life is of a particular industry. It’s just common knowledge that people get bored with fitness after a while.
I understand how angry you all are; however, you are not only going to hurt Curves International but all of us who have kept our franchises open and profitable! I bought a club that was completely in the toilet financially and worked hard to bring it up. I have fought against a previous bad rep and I have done A LOT of damage control I have focused on keeping the members I have instead of just getting new ones and it has paid off big time! This is a BUSINESS and you have to run it as such. There is no "get rich quick" scheme here, just honest hard work. What CI has done is what ALL other franchise corporations do. His religion does not mean he should lay down all the governing rules and let everyone walk all over him. Have your pity party, but leave the rest out of it!!!
Thank you, "Leave Us Out Of It". I have been with Curves for 7 years. I successful club and 1 not. Never blamed Curves Int. for anything. I will close the slow club next year. I started with Curves to strengthen women and not to make easy money. I quit our local co-op because I was simply tired of the wining and blaming of Curves Intl. and no one taking responsibility. I too, have sleepless nights, trying to think of the best thing to do to keep afloat, but that is the risk I signed on for. I have always been in business for myself (and usually by myself) and some have failed utterly and left me with nothing but major debt. I learned and strengthened myself. I once said to Gary Heavin: "When people succeed thay want all the credit and when they don't, they blame Curves International." When you bought a territory and opened your club near another, did it "bother" you to transfer their members to your new club? I think not. Yes, it's hard on the "original" owners and the strong will survive.
To leave us out of it on April 21st, 2009 3:07 pm '
You are in denile and need to seek out help before you have a heart attack. Howie has led you down the golden brick road which he has quickly turned into quicksand. Furthermore Howie doesn't have a religious bone in his entire body. No Christian would condone the contiunuious lies nor the greed that this man has repeatedly shown in his business dealings.
This board and discussion is not about a pitty party but to let everyone know what a dishonest person the Curves Franchise owners have to put up if they are considering buying one. It's not our fault that the franchisee are worth nothing and can't be sold. Many owners are happy to just give them away to get out of the headaces caused by Howie Heavin greed. This board is all about owners who have been cheated out of their life saving and how many are fed up. Instead of turning away and letting this man continue to rip people off they have decided to ban togeather and stop this man from hurting anymore owners by all legal means available.
Ever since 03 this company has been on a down hill road with no brakes on. Get real and get a life. Many of the owners here are not ex owners but our current owners who for years tried to get Howie to change his evel ways but to no advail. He alone has caused us to use this forum and lawyers which will eventually bring Heavin down. I don't see anyone here having a pity party. As a matter of fack it is just the opposite. Most of the owners here are getting real happy as the trials are just about to begin and it is very doubtful that Howie will even have a chance to win and it doesn't appear that any of the owners invloved are going to settle out of court..
Gee caif owner youve been a n owner for seven years. Well i have you beat cus iv'e been an owner for 12 years and for one I'm tired of all the lies Gary Howard heavin has spread just to make himself money. Did you buy the curves smart? I hope not as its not new technology as howie said it was. IT IS OVER TEN YEAR OLD AND NEVER WORKED THEN AND DOES'T WORK NOW .......hOW ABOUT THE CLOSING FEE WHEN YOU CLOSE OR IS YOUR 5 YEAR CONTRACT UP NEXT YEAR. iT REALLY TOO BAD THAT YOU THINK ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE AS WHEN hEAVIN GO TITS UP AND FILES BANKRUPTCY WERE WILL YOU BE.. It is all such a shame but I know why don't you and the other guest get togeather and have a pity party and complan about all the owners who have decided to fight back at the dishonesty, illigal, immoral,and corrrupt business practices of Curves International.
#1 How can I be in denial if my club is successful...doing what CORPORATE suggested. And Curves Smart works great, you just need a little bit of common sense and learn how to use it before you put it out! BTW, try spell check next time...
Who are you trying to kid? Curves smart has never worked. It doesn't even produce the correct amount of calories burned and if you actually had curves smart you would know that. Explain why less than 40 percent of the clubs have curves smart? Explain why 90 percent of the clubs are losing money? Explain why over 900 clubs closed last year in the US? Explain why this board has become one of the most popular sites about Curves? Now tell the truth your name is Howie. Ya right another plant!!!!!!! Sorry but the truth hurts and we alll know the truth about Howie and how immoral and dishonest he is and you can't change that by just saying so. Give us examples of his honesty and christain beliefs.