Massage Envy® Ends 2010 With Record Growth

Opens 43 New Locations and Converts 166 Spa Locations Since January 2010

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Jan 12, 2011, 10:56 ET

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of affordable and convenient massage and spa services, announced today that the company experienced unprecedented growth in 2010 with 43 new locations -- bringing the total number of Massage Envy locations to 657 operating in 43 states. In addition, since introducing its Massage Envy Spa® concept in late 2009, the company has opened or converted a record 271 spa locations in 35 states.

"We are extremely pleased with the tremendous growth Massage Envy has experienced this past year. It is a true testament to the power of the Massage Envy brand, as well as consumer demand for affordable and accessible massage therapy and skincare treatments," said Massage Envy CEO David Humphrey. "As we continue to expand the company's reach from coast to coast, we look forward to offering consumers the ability to take charge of their own health and wellness through our full range of convenient, affordable and professional spa and massage services."

Despite the recession, Massage Envy has experienced 29 percent growth in membership, increasing from 701,000 members in 2009 to over 904,000 members in 2010. In fact, last year, the company performed its 20 millionth massage. Net sales for franchisees have grown as well. For the 530 centers that have been open for more than 12 months as of Dec. 31, 2009, they have averaged $885,700 in annual net sales.

"This growth is not surprising to us. Since our initial launch, Massage Envy has changed the public's perception of the benefits of massage and spa therapy," added Humphrey. "By democratizing these services and making them available to consumers across the country, the public now recognizes the importance of visiting Massage Envy to maintain a balanced lifestyle focused on wellness."

Today, there are more than 650 Massage Envy and Massage Envy Spa locations in 43 states, making it the largest system of franchised massage centers in the industry. The company also is the world's largest employer of licensed/registered massage therapists with more than 16,000 therapists providing over 250,000 massages every week.

Because innovation has been at the heart of Massage Envy since its inception in 2002, the company launched the Massage Envy Spa concept over a year ago to build upon consumer's desire for inexpensive, healthy skin care beyond traditional massage therapy. Massage Envy established a strategic partnership with global skincare leader Murad® and is now recognized as the largest spa chain in the world by the International Spa Association. With Murad, Massage Envy Spa customers benefit from facials and skin care treatments designed by one of the world's foremost leaders in skin health.

Over the next several years, Massage Envy is seeking to expand across the country with Massage Envy Spa leading the way in these development goals. To fuel this growth, the company is looking for specific franchisee candidates who have the ability and the desire to learn and follow a system that ensures value and customer satisfaction.

"Franchisee candidates have the unique opportunity to join a growing business with enormous potential, while also contributing to the community by providing a healthful service that will play a role in consumers' overall wellness routine," said Humphrey. "Our business requires franchisees who have strong interpersonal skills, outstanding customer service and the ability to manage and motivate employees and continually expand a customer base."

Qualified franchisee candidates should have business sales or management experience, but do not need to have a massage therapy or spa operations background. They also should possess a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $100,000. Massage Envy and Massage Envy Spa franchisees can expect their initial investment to range from approximately $318,000 to $512,000. This includes the franchisee fee of $45,000.

Entrepreneurs interested in exploring franchising opportunities with Massage Envy and Massage Envy Spa may contact Lori Merrall at (480) 366-4171 and [email protected], or visit www.massageenvy.com.

About Massage Envy

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the United States. The national franchise of massage centers is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage services to consumers with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Massage Envy Spa is its newest concept, offering Murad® healthy skin facials, as well as therapeutic massages. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 650 locations in 43 states, with new centers opening every month. The company was recently named a top AllBusiness (a D&B company) AllStar Franchise, and is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA). For more information, visit www.MassageEnvy.com.