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The shutters have closed on the new Whampoa branch of California Fitness. Photo: Felix Wong

California Fitness members fear all gyms will fold after new Hung Hom outlet closes

Whampoa branch apparently failed to pay for electricity and water, and the cash-strapped chain has now stopped taking new subscriptions

Members of gym chain California Fitness fear all branches will shut down as the cash-strapped

chain has stopped taking new subscriptions after the sudden closure of its Hung Hom outlet.

The Consumer Council, meanwhile, said it had received more than 100 complaints or inquiries and warned customers to consider the financial ability of the chain before making large upfront payments for services.

The Whampoa club in Hung Hom remained closed on Monday, leaving customers in limbo. Member John Lee, who in June had been lured to sign up for an 18-month membership for HK$7,000 in total, went to the club in vain in search of an explanation or refund.

“I was aware of its scandals before I joined, but I still had a little hope and gave it a shot,” Lee said, adding that staff had given no hint of any closure. “I assume the branches will close one by one as it faces huge financial problems.”

A notice posted at the Deli Place outlet, which only opened in March, and on the chain’s Facebook page on Sunday, said the landlord had indicated an intention to stop supplying “some essential services” to the premises.

The Wan Chai branch of California Fitness remained open on Monday. Photo: Sam Tsang
It is understood that the club had failed to pay electricity and rental fees.

A Post reporter posing as a customer at one of the nine Hong Kong branches of California Fitness on Monday was told there would be no refunds on prepaid membership fees, but all Hung Hom club subscribers could enjoy the facilities of other clubs at no extra cost. The gym employee said all branches had stopped signing up new members, but she refused to disclose if they would close.

“We welcome walk-in customers to use our facilities daily at HK$150. We do not know when we will take annual subscriptions again,” she said.

Two months ago the fitness chain was openly shamed by the Consumer Council for subjecting customers to intimidation and misleading sales tactics. The gym has been looking for a buyer as it faces a winding-up petition from a creditor.

There have also been growing complaints about hygiene and facilities failings at the clubs, including frequent air-conditioning shutdowns and overflowing trash, prompting speculation the cash-strapped gymnasium would soon collapse.

California Fitness opened its first gym in Hong Kong in 1996 and also has 15 centres across Asia.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: California Fitness members fear all gyms will fold
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