Franchise Evaluator™: Stretch Zone

What population does the brand serve? Is the market broad, niche, or somewhere in-between?

Stretch Zone operates in a segment that serves all age ranges that want to achieve better performance and experience the benefits of regular stretch therapy. Whether people are active or inactive, competitive, or consider themselves elite, therapeutic stretching can benefit mostly everyone with a virtually limitless demographic base. Along with opportunity in growth of customer base, Stretch Zone has identified over 1000+ territories available, making expansion more opportunistic than ever.

We categorize the market size as a large market.

Is the overall industry growing, that is creating new customers who have never used these services before, or mature where most population segments are already using these types of products and services?

The fitness industry is on a continuous trend of growth in which people are seeking alternative treatments and therapies that provide low impact and high return on effort. Stretch Zone is the pioneer in the stretch fitness category with a proprietary stretch methodology that sets itself apart from other stretch and fitness concepts. Stretch Zone has opened over 100 locations in a single year, bringing their total to over 300 locations and NO CLOSURES to date so it’s evident they are meeting a market demand.

We categorize the Industry Trend as a high growth trend.

What drives the purchase of the product or service? Is it a “need-to-buy” or a “want-to-buy”? How are customers drawn to your business?

Stretch Zone is the world’s first and largest stretching franchise with a science based, patented stretching system designed to bridge the gap between health and fitness. Their proprietary Stretch Zone Method, patented Stretch Zone Table, and Stretch Zone Stabilization System help practitioners deliver assisted stretching methodology and techniques. Plus, all Stretch Zone Stretch practitioners must pass a certification course to get their Stretch Practitioner Certification.

We categorize the product and service drivers as high drivers.

Are competitors a major factor in operating your business? If so, is competition sparse or saturated? Will it matter to your business?

There are alot of companies and fitness concepts competing for the attention of the Stretch Zone demographic, such as Stretch Lab – which is broad. Stretch Zone differentiates itself by filling the gap between health and fitness with a unique and proprietary stretching system using their patented strapping system on a proprietary table, that is not likely offered anywhere else. Stretch Zone offers a virtually limitless demographic base. Their unique patented methodology is ideal for those young and old, active and inactive, as well as competitive and elite athletes. With a concept fit for every body, the potential for growth in your market is high.

We categorize the competitive climate as low-mid competitive pressure.

Are the business’s products or services regulated, or do they require licensing? Will you or your employees require special licensing? If so, is the regulatory climate strict or lax? Will this affect recruiting employees?

Other than adhering to state and local ordinances on health and safety, Stretch Zone is in a lightly regulated industry and does not require certifications other than those imposed by health and safety organizations. Stretch Zone practitioners undergo a rigorous certification process in the Stretch Zone Method, a nationally recognized certification approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.

Stretch Zone is recognized and awarded the esteemed designation of Board Approved Continuing Education Provider. Our Master Practitioners lead a comprehensive hands-on training and certification program. Prior to being able to work in a Stretch Zone Studio, all practitioners must attend a one-week program and pass an exam to be certified.

We categorize the regulatory climate as low regulation.

How experienced is the franchisor at being a franchisor?

Stretch Zone was founded in 2005 by Jorden Gold who pioneered and developed his own proprietary methodology for stretching for health benefits. Stretch Zone started franchising in 2017 and has grown to over 300 locations as of June 2023. Dedicated Studio Opening Specialists are assigned to get each location up and open as quickly as possible. Stretch Zone provides comprehensive marketing and operational support to help franchisees thrive. It is important to note that there are NO Stretch Zone studio closings to date which is a testament to the strength of the repeatable system the Stretch Zone franchise has built.

We categorize the Franchising Experience as Extensive.

What is the tenure, background, and commitment of the franchise’s leadership?

The leadership team by and large has a long tenure with Stretch Zone and have added to their already deep franchising team. As well, more recent executives come from extensive backgrounds in franchising. Led by president and CEO, Tony Zaccario and backed by Princeton Equity Group, whose majority holding consists of mostly franchised brands, Stretch Zone franchising leadership experience runs deep.

We categorize the Franchising Leaders as Highly Experienced.

How often and how well does the franchisor engage franchisees? What assistance is provided in starting and operating your business.

Stretch Zone has been recognized as a Top 50 in Franchisee Satisfaction and has been awarded Top 50 in the industry for Multi-Unit Ownership by Franchise Business Review. Many of Stretch Zone franchise owners are multi-unit franchisees which is a testament to the passion Stretch Zone franchisees bring to Stretch Zone every day. Suffice to say there is significant assistance and support in starting and operating your Stretch Zone business.

We categorize the Franchisee Engagement as Highly Engaged.

In what kind of financial shape is the franchisor?

Stretch Zone has experienced an impressive 58% CAGR over the last four years. Stretch Zone also makes an Item 19 Earnings Claim where more detailed analysis of the Stretch Zone potential can be found. Backed by Princeton Equity Group, a leading private equity firm exclusively focused on the franchisor and multi-unit industry whose strategic investment in Stretch Zone serves as a strong underpinning as Stretch Zone expands. Princeton views each investment as a long-term, supportive business partnership with founders and management teams to help build companies of great value.

We categorize the Financial Health as Sound.