Things are tough in Maryland:
… a staggering decline in student enroll-ment because of the faltering economy has taken its toll on his business, Barlow said. At the gym’s peak, about 700 students frequented the gym weekly for classes. In the past 12 months, those numbers have dropped by more than half, to about 300.
His business has suffered in other ways, too. His pro shop, where he retails athletic gear and clothing, has lost revenue, with sales falling by about 50 percent, he said.
And with so many other options today for kids’ birthday parties, parents have been less apt to book Barlow’s for such celebrations, he said. …
Longtime gymnastics training center closes – Economy forces owner to shutter Barlow’s after 25 years
Is your gym threatened?
… Barlow’s Gymnastics isn’t the only gym struggling with the recession. Universal Gymnastics, another Annapolis training center, also closed, with 1st Class Gymnastics absorbing almost all of its professional staff and enrollment in January 2008. …
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1st Class must be booming now. And somebody will be able to pick up some used gymnastics equipment!
1st Class is growing. And the GM must not be aware that two gyms closed in his area.
“Jason Cayer, the general manager of 1st Class, said business has been good for his staff.
“We’re actually still growing,” he said of the 5-year-old gym with more than 1,000 students. “I don’t think the economy is going to change that that much. People go to where they want to be, regardless of cost. It’s going to be a matter of preference. And gymnastics is still a growing sport.”"
He’s acting like kids coming from gyms that closed due to the recession has nothing to do with his gym doing so well.
And Barlowe:
“For several consecutive months, he was having trouble paying his rent. And although his landlord tried to make concessions, “he could only negotiate so much,” Barlow said.”
It’s too bad he was still paying rent after 25 years. Real estate is expensive in some places but paying rent forever is more expensive in the long run.
Paying rent forever is definitely more expensive in the long run, shergymrag. But for some gym owners, location is essential and they can’t risk moving.
That sucks… I used to compete against Barlow’s back in the 90′s.
I guess gymnastics is too expensive for a lot of the recs nowadays… that’s where they make most of their money anyway.
The gym my daughter goes to isn’t closing, but they did lose $15000 last year. Many mortgages on the house to pay for that place.
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