Why Gyms Are Grabbing Retail Market Share

Kropfl: “Since big-box retailers have been going dark, these fitness brands are seeing opportunities to backfill vacant space.”

IRVINE, CA—Growth in the fitness segment of retail is indicative of a greater consumer trend that centers on living a healthy life in general as these fitness brands see opportunities to backfill vacant space, Avison Young principal Keith Kropfl tells GlobeSt.com. The firm recently negotiated four new Southern California leases totaling 157,000 square feet with 15-year terms on behalf of 24 Hour Fitness in the Orange County cities of Santa Ana, Huntington Beach and Fullerton, as well as one Riverside County lease in Riverside. We spoke exclusively with Kropfl about the gym/fitness sector, its impact on retail space and where this trend is heading.

GlobeSt.com: Why has the gym/fitness sector of retail become so strong recently?

Kropfl: Over the past several years especially, the gym/fitness industry has really been elevated to a new level of popularity and overall growth. This growth is indicative of a greater consumer trend that centers around living a healthy life in general. People are passionate about eating healthier, feeling more energetic, and looking better, and working out is a big part of this lifestyle.