The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), in partnership with Sports Marketing Surveys, announced today a new research report, the 2009 Health Club Equipment Benchmarking Report, designed to assist fitness equipment brands manage their business with commercial health clubs.
Based on a survey of 150 IHRSA club operators representing 400 facilities, the report benchmarks supplier companies’ performance with both qualitative and quantitative measures. Metrics including brand confidence, share, strength, ratings, supplier ratings, overall brand strength, market strength forecast, and key insights are explored from in-depth interviews with IHRSA club personnel. The main focus of this study was to provide participating manufacturers with the tools and insight they need to understand the features and benefits IHRSA member clubs value in exercise equipment.
“IHRSA is very pleased to offer this detailed report as a new resource for equipment manufacturers and industry suppliers,” said Joe Moore, IHRSA’s president and CEO. “The insight gained from this report will greatly assist IHRSA member companies in developing their relationships with clubs and understanding their purchasing needs.”
Findings in the report indicate that the vast majority of clubs will order the same amount of new equipment or less in the next 12 month period, breaking down to 45 percent spending less and 36 percent remaining at the same level for the period. Additionally, 34 percent of the clubs indicated they plan to buy an elliptical within the next year, with the average club planning to purchase five units.
“With over 63 percent of facility respondents citing manufacturers representatives as their most valued source for product information, it will be critical for equipment manufacturers to arm their sales reps with the tools they need and all the support they can provide to ensure they are working efficiently and in a cost-effective manner,” said Neil Schwartz, Sports Marketing Surveys’ director of business development.
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. The association’s membership includes over 9,750 clubs in 78 countries, along with over 740 industry suppliers.
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Nov. 11 2009
