Talwalkars forays into franchise with brand 'Hi-Fi'

To open 50 fitness clubs in a year, 300 in three years.

Health club chain  Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd, has forayed into franchises business. The company has opened its first gym in Pune on franchisee basis, under the brand name 'Hi-Fi'. This is supposed to be the Talwalkar's ‘Healthy India Fit India’ movement (Hi-Fi) for affordable fitness.

It has planned to open 50 Hi-Fi gyms by end of this year and 300 in the next three years across India.It will target tier-III and tier-IV cities along with metros. By end of this year, it will be opening in Gurgaon, Jaipur, Nanded, Anand and Faridabad.

Speaking on this, Madhukar Talwalkar, Chairman , Talwalkar Better Value Fitness Ltd, said," 'Hi-Fi' will not compete with Talwalkars' existing fitness clubs as its a completely different model of business. There is a much difference in pricing, facilities and services. Hi-Fi' will mainly cater only body building exercises and facilities like spa or meditation are not included in it. In the last 10 years, there is a massive change in the fitness club industry. With the HI-Fi we will try to accommodate local fitness clubs who in the crisis in the respective locations and it will be a helping hand for them. "

"The company has also approached former sports personalities to boost its franchisee business. There will be more opportunities created in this field and this is an effort to create awareness for fitness. For this, there will be an investment of Rs 45 lakh to Rs 95 lakh depending upon the city or location. For tier-III cities investment will be lower than the metros. The gym, spread across a considerable area, and is placed at a strategic location making it extremely accessible for the localities. It also contains a library full of videos and books on health and fitness." said Vishal Rupani, CEO, Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd.

"We started Hi-Fi with a sole intention of reaching out to the consumption group in the smaller towns and cities across India to avail of high quality gyms at reasonable prices. Many people in India are still not taking enough exercise despite the obvious health benefits. And as pioneers in the field, Talwalkars has been committed to spreading fitness to each and every Indian. The launch here in Pune is a stepping stone to our commitment to spread the Healthy India Fit India movement to the whole nation," Talwalkar added.