TRIB3 to kick-start Spanish expansion with Barcelona opening
– Rod Hill
UK-based boutique studio operator TRIB3 is preparing to open its first site in Spain, ahead of an expansion programme which will look to achieve 50 new openings in the country over the next five years.
Opening on 21 May, the 420sq m (4,500sq ft), 42-capacity TRIB3 Barcelona will follow the format of offering high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts based on treadmills (cardio), resistance (weights) and intensity (heart rate).
Speaking to Health Club Management, TRIB3's president, Rod Hill, said the Barcelona studio will be a "extra special TRIB3", with added local flair.
"The concept is the same – we will have studio bootcamp Hiit classes and we're using Star Trac treadmills," Hill said.
"But we've got a few more showers than we would at a UK studio, as we know that the midday, lunch time period is a popular time for people to work out in Spain, and people want to go back to the office after the class.
"The mixology shake bar will also be the same, but we're including a couple of bespoke drinks made for the Barcelona market in mind."
Hill says that the adjustments are part of a strategy to fine-tune each new site to cater for regional markets.
"The idea is that we're taking the TRIB3 model across globally, but we're aware that you have to know what's going on with the local market," he said.
"We know that 90 per cent can be exactly the same in every country, but that 10 per cent can really make the difference. We're aware we need to be open culturally to the small nuances you can find in different markets. But the main product will be the same."
The company plans to drive its Spanish growth through a mixture of corporate-owned and franchised-owned studios.
"Our business plan for Spain is to open 50 TRIB3s in five years," Hill said.
"Seven of those will be corporate-owned, and the rest will be franchised sites.
"We will look to use the corporate-owned clubs to open regional areas, so we will put our 'own club' in a regional capital and use it to introduce the brand and use it as a base for expansion."
"We just signed our first franchise partners and we are looking for two or three large regional agreements for development plans, so we are moving quite quickly at the moment."
The Barcelona opening will be followed by a studio in Madrid at the end of August.
In total, the company is looking to have between 10 and 15 studios open in Spain by the end of 2019.
Hill says that TRIB3's expansion coincides with rapid growth in the Spanish fitness market.
"The market in Spain is warm. The financial crisis really interrupted the growth in Spain in many ways and the fitness chains haven't yet achieved the mass that the UK has, for example.
"There aren't many club operators with 50 sites in the country – and certainly none with 100.
"But that is changing, the Spanish market is now experiencing a growth spurt. The likes of Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness are now expanding and it's becoming a recognised sector for investors. That means it's a good time for a boutique offer like ours to grow."
TRIB3 currently operates three studios in the UK and one in Moscow.
As well as Spain, TRIB3 has franchise agreements in place in Finland and China and is also planning to enter the French market.
TRIB3 Barcelona Rod Hill
TRIB3 to open more studios in Russia after Moscow launch
TRIB3 plans move into Asian market as global expansion gathers pace
TRIB3 set to open in Leeds and Moscow
Gym membership business model has made operators 'lazy', says Rod Hill
'Data chocolate', dreams made real and artworks shaped by visitors’ emotions: Refik Anadol’s AI art museum launches in Los Angeles
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
