More fitness visits than grocery stores

At the 2025 ATN CEO Summit, R.J. Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research at Placer.ai, highlighted the fitness industry's remarkable growth, noting a 6.6% increase in quarterly visits during Q3 2024, surpassing sectors like discount stores and groceries. He attributed this surge to factors such as the rise of affordable gym memberships, the expansion of connected fitness, and a focus on community engagement. Hottovy also observed a shift in workout times, with more members utilizing gyms during late mornings and evenings, likely due to flexible work schedules. He emphasized that the fitness sector is one of the few retail categories exceeding pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strong and resilient market.

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