Confusion with two fitness centres in Gloucester - both called "The Gym"
ONE is an independent gym established for two years, and the other is a national chain coming to the city with great fanfare – and both are called The Gym.
Now there is fear of confusion for the two health centres – which will be just 1.5 miles apart when the national chain opens at The Quays on December 19.
James Churchill, owner of the Bristol Road independent gym, said he opened two years ago with the sole intention of helping residents become fitter and healthier.
He said: "Fitness is my passion and I absolutely believe in and love what I do and provide for the thousands of people who have walked through our doors. It has to be said that the damage to my gym and the brand I've been building for almost two and a half years could be huge when The Gym Group arrives.
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"I'm obviously not suggesting the name is particularly unique, but surely, when considering Gloucester as a location, they would have noticed an existing independent gym with the same name. I shouldn't have to re-brand because of their arrival but I can't afford to match their marketing spend, which will no doubt confuse potential members.
"If a member recommends us to a friend, there's a very real chance that friend could see the marketing of The Gym Group and sign up with them instead, assuming it to be us. I will almost undoubtedly be in a worse financial position."
The Gym Group is a fast growing chain of 24-hour gyms. They expect 4,000 people to sign up to their Gloucester branch.
A spokesman for The Gym chain said: "Gloucester has a large enough population to support two gyms."
Comments
by Glos_Lad34
Friday, November 02 2012, 10:28AM
“Shouldn't they change the name of one of the Gym names then, so there won't be confusion.”
by FreeRadical1
Thursday, November 01 2012, 6:39PM
“Isn't this a bit like the local shop being called "The Local Shop" [as in League of Gentlemen]? Frankly, it's stupid. Give your gym an actual name, and this problem won't happen.
As for Gloucester being big enough to support two gyms - hasn't it already got about ten?”
by MrGarnet
Thursday, November 01 2012, 6:36PM
“Free parking on Bristol rd no parkynazis about like the Q£££eys!!”
by LewBrush
Thursday, November 01 2012, 4:04PM
“Gym wont fix this one!”
by atters1972
Thursday, November 01 2012, 1:25PM
“Don't most people say I'm going to "the gym " anyway rather than specify which one they are going to.”
by honslknjklyt
Thursday, November 01 2012, 1:18PM
“When setting anything up, it is wise to check if anyone is using that name first, whereever they are. I am with the national chain unusually, on this one.
There is something called The Chocolate Tasting Club. If we were to set up something similar, a weekly chocolate club in a community centre and been running a while, should the Chocolate tasting club come to Gloucester, would they have to change their name?
This kind of thing is protected with limited companies as it would stop you setting up under the name The Gym as their already is one, thus things like this would not happen.
Companies house have The Gym Limited and then further down The Gym (Aldridge) Ltd. This shows there is a difference between the two.”
by atters1972
Thursday, November 01 2012, 12:17PM
“Virgin has two gyms. I can't imagine anyone getting confused as one is known as virginbrockworth the other virgin barnwood. I would imagine the new one in the quays will get known as the gym @ the quays.”