Curves has more than 10 000 clubs in the world, in 83 countries. Curves has more than 10 000 clubs in the world, in 83 countries.
TO the surprise of members of the Curves ladies’ gyms in Musgrave and Westville, and to the Curves’ operational head office, the couple who own the two franchises closed the gyms’ doors last week with neither notice nor explanation.
Members who arrived at Musgrave gym on Monday, September 12, found the doors closed and the staff sitting outside. They were told that the owners, Kate and Steven Brown, had filed for bankruptcy.
It is believed that the closures had taken place on the Saturday prior, without any notice.
Clive Robinson, head of operations for Curves Africa, said the closures had come as a shock, and that attempts had been made to get the owners to reopen.
“We immediately took the necessary action to ensure other owners in the area, and members of the two clubs, were protected. Our attorneys were instructed to ensure we forced the owners to reopen and engage with us (to explain) what led to this decision.
But “by close of business on Monday it was clear this was not going to happen. We cannot elaborate on the details except to say that due to personal financial situations they filed for bankruptcy, which affected both businesses ”.
Robinson said that Curves clubs were all independently owned and run. “These were two clubs which performed well… (and were) owned by once very good and committed owners, so it was impossible to anticipate this situation. Had we known about it a month or two earlier we could have intervened and done what was necessary.”
Devi Moonsamy was one of the members who arrived for her gym session at Musgrave on the Monday to find the closed doors and the equipment outside.
“There was no explanation. The staff just said the gyms were closed because of bankruptcy.”
She said she was disappointed as the position of the club was convenient. Although a transfer to the Curves in Windermere had been offered, Moonsamy said this was too far. She has now signed up at another gym.
Emigrate
It is believed that the Browns have plans to emigrate to the UK. Steven is already in the UK, while Kate is said to still be in South Africa. However, attempts to contact her by both the head office and The Mercury were unsuccessful.
Robinson said the focus was now on the members of both clubs. “Members who want to continue with their membership will be able to transfer to a club nearest to them at no additional cost. Those who wish to cancel will be able to do that with immediate effect with no penalty charges. We have also instructed the deduction agency not to deduct any further monies from any members of these two clubs with immediate effect.”
He emphasised this was an isolated incident, and that Curves was still the largest fitness franchise in the world with more than 10 000 clubs in 83 countries worldwide.
Members with any questions can call the Curves head office at 012 644 0649. -The Mercury