Massage Envy Franchising, LLC Signs 38 New Franchise Agreements and Opens 18 New Centers in First Quarter Of 2011

Leader in Massage and Spa Services Celebrates 900th Franchise Sold and Continues Record Growth

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Apr 27, 2011, 09:00 ET

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy Franchising, LLC -- the pioneer and national leader of affordable and convenient massage and spa services -- announced today a healthy start to the new year. Since January 2011, the company has sold 38 franchises and opened 18 centers. In addition, Massage Envy recently sold its 900th franchise to franchisees Deborah and Don Glorius in Orlando.

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"Our team has achieved amazing milestones over the last year and in these first few months of 2011," said Massage Envy CEO David Humphrey. "We are continuing to expand our reach with the power of a strong brand and a network of talented franchisees who are committed to providing affordable and accessible massage therapy and skincare treatments to their communities."

This strong start to 2011 is a continuation of Massage Envy's record growth in 2010 with 43 new locations and 166 spa location conversions. The company experienced a 29 percent growth in membership in 2010, while also performing its 30 millionth massage. This expansion puts Massage Envy well within sight of signing its millionth member in the second quarter.

During the first quarter of 2011, Massage Envy signed four new multi-unit regional development agreements in Hawaii, North and South Dakota, and Montana, and two resale development agreements in Pittsburgh/Western Pennsylvania and Sacramento/East Bay. In addition, the company opened its 300th spa location in San Diego, reaching another milestone since forming a strategic partnership with global skincare leader Murad® and launching the spa concept less than two years ago to satisfy consumers' desire for inexpensive, healthy skin care along with traditional massage therapy.

According to the International Franchise Association's 2011 Franchise Business Outlook report, the number of franchise establishments is projected to grow 2.5 percent this year. In just the first quarter, Massage Envy has surpassed this projection, supporting reports that the health and wellness category is a strong growth area.

"With year-over-year growth of 25 percent and average unit volume reaching $1 million, few companies can offer comparable growth and the profitability potential as Massage Envy," added Humphrey. "With this recent growth, our regional developers and franchisees agree that it's an ideal time to open a Massage Envy or Massage Envy Spa."

With more than 670 locations in the United States, Massage Envy is the largest system of franchised massage centers in the industry. The company plans to continue to expand its presence in markets across the U.S. and recently announced plans to bring its convenient, affordable and professional spa and massage services to Canada.

To fuel 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. 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 $150,000. Massage Envy and Massage Envy Spa franchisees can expect their initial investment to range from approximately $343,000 to $568,000, including the franchisee fee.

Massage Envy is the world's largest employer of licensed/registered massage therapists, with more than 16,000 therapists providing over 250,000 massages every week. The company only employs licensed, registered and certified massage therapists who are trained to provide a variety of therapeutic massage treatments. Open seven days a week, each Massage Envy offers convenient times and locations. An average location is approximately 3,000 square feet and is typically located in shopping centers with national, daily need and female-oriented retailers.

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 is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage and spa services to consumers with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Founded in 2003, Massage Envy has more than 670 locations in 43 states and has experienced 25 percent year-over-year growth. In addition, the average unit volume for a Massage Envy is $1 million. 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 MassageEnvy.com.