Massaging the Masses: Massage Heights on Track to Open 12 Units throughout East Valley by 2010

Posted on January 16, 2009 by Aubrey Glencamp

Gilbert, AZ – Massage Heights opened its premier location in the Phoenix market today – the first of 12 locations set to open in the East Valley in the next year, treating tense, stressed-out consumers to a luxury spa massage experience at an affordable monthly rate.

Executives of the San Antonio-based franchise company say Phoenix is a prime market for expansion based on 34 key components of research showing an ideal match to the East Valley’s population, psychographics, demographics, economic climate, spending habits, competitive landscape, real estate, etc.

The Gilbert location is one of more than 40 Massage Heights facilities that have opened around the country, with 288 more in various stages of development. The company expects to open 1,620 new locations within the next five years. The average cost to open a Massage Heights is between $163,000 to $352,000 with a franchise fee of $37,000. Both single and multi units are available, with master franchise options.

"With 25 million more Americans each year getting a massage today than a decade ago, the room for growth is limitless," said Christine Dura, regional developer for Massage Heights. "Further more, due to the size of our territories, Massage Heights has the ability to open three units in most markets to our competitor’s every one location."

The rapidly growing membership-model massage franchise has tapped into a virtual goldmine segment: consumers receive approximately 230 million massage sessions annually, making massage therapy one of the fastest growing industries in the nation.

Clients who visit Massage Heights are quickly addicted to the experience. According to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), repeat visits for massage therapy range between 78 percent and 81 percent; Massage Heights boasts a 90 percent customer retention rate in each of its open locations.

"We appeal to people seeking to relieve anxiety or stress or back or muscle pain issues, as well as licensed massage therapists looking to improve their lifestyle with set hours and consistent traffic," said Dura, noting that Massage Heights facilities are open seven days a week, days and evenings, with drop-ins available.

The median price for a one-hour massage is $60 (ABMP); Massage Heights offers a monthly complimentary, one-hour massage with a monthly membership fee between $49.99-$59.99 (depending on the market), with each additional one-hour massage for only $39.99. Elevated services also are available, which include aromatherapy sessions, foot scrubs and stone facial massages. Massage Heights also offers a line of soothing products so members can continue the tranquil experience at home.

Massage Heights was launched in 2004 by founders and husband and wife duo, Shane and Wayne Evans. After a successful 14-year career in the physical fitness field, Wayne Evans, decided to further explore the lifestyle improving field of massage therapy. After establishing Massage Heights in Alamo Heights, TX, the company experienced soaring success. Shane Evans quickly left the marketing field in pursuit of the booming business.

About Massage Heights

Founded in 2004, Massage Heights is the premium massage clinic service that offers a tranquil atmosphere, experienced staff, soothing services and convenience at an affordable price. Massage Heights is reaching dramatic elevations in an exploding industry, focused on providing affordable luxury products and services for the mind, spirit and body. With more 43 operating franchises, company plans call for 288 more by 2010, with a total of 1,620 locations within the next five years.