Basic-Fit, the low-cost gym chain, has announced that it has received confirmation from French authorities that it can open some clubs at night without any staff. The company plans to convert 50 clubs currently with staff to this model by May, and add 150 additional staff-less clubs by 2026. Some Basic-Fit gyms are already open 24/7 with staff during the day and an intercom at night.
Basic-Fit clarified that for now, there is no staff present at night, only external maintenance and cleaning personnel. This new model will allow Basic-Fit to operate without staff during certain hours, particularly after midnight when there are fewer than 20 people. The chain expects to save about 10 million euros annually with this change.
Under French law, a location can be open to the public without staff if it meets certain conditions, like a maximum of 19 people and remote surveillance. Basic-Fit has confirmed that around 200 of its clubs meet these conditions. For the 100 clubs that do not meet these criteria, staff will continue to be present, according to the chain.
Basic-Fit, present in twelve countries under two brands, claims to be the largest fitness chain in Europe with over 2,150 clubs and 5.8 million members. The company recently experienced a data breach affecting about one million members with banking information compromised in several European countries where Basic-Fit operates.
