FamilyMart Co. Ltd. unveiled plans to open 24-hour gyms in stores over the next five years to tap the growing interest in fitness among consumers, The Japan Times reported Dec. 1, citing a Nov. 30 company statement.
The Japanese convenience store chain will open about 300 Fit & Go gyms on the second floors of its sites and other locations, according to the report. The first gym is expected to open in Tokyo's Ota Ward in February 2018.
The gyms will be equipped with treadmills and showers and will offer smartphone apps to teach customers how to train, the report said.
Convenience stores have reportedly seen a drop in patronage due to strong competition from drug stores and other retailers. This has recently prompted FamilyMart to increase customer traffic by planning to install laundromats in its parking spaces.
FamilyMart is a subsidiary of Japanese convenience store chain operator FamilyMart UNY Holdings Co. Ltd.
