US Fitness Leader REP Fitness Establishes UK Headquarters in Gloucester
In a significant move for the UK fitness industry, REP Fitness, a prominent American manufacturer of home gym and commercial fitness equipment, has officially opened its UK headquarters and a flagship retail showroom in Gloucester. This strategic expansion marks a major step in the company's European growth strategy, with the new facility poised to create local employment opportunities and enhance customer engagement across the region.
A Major Investment in Gloucester's Business Landscape
The new 40,000 square foot facility, located at St. Modwen Park, represents a substantial investment in the area. It consolidates several key functions under one roof:
- The UK head office, serving as the central hub for administrative and strategic operations.
- A large-scale distribution centre with the capacity to hold up to £10 million worth of stock, ensuring efficient national fulfilment.
- The largest dedicated strength equipment showroom in the UK, spanning an impressive 6,200 square feet.
This integrated setup is expected to support approximately 35 local office roles, in addition to a dedicated fulfilment team managing nationwide distribution. The expansion follows REP Fitness's successful entry into the UK market just a year ago, indicating strong confidence in the region's growth potential.
From Garage Start-Up to Global Brand
Founded in 2012 in Colorado by brothers Ryan and Shane McGrotty, REP Fitness has experienced remarkable growth, evolving from a humble garage-based start-up into a recognised global brand in the strength equipment sector. The company's success is underscored by its financial performance, having recorded over $130 million in sales in 2024, which represents a substantial 30 per cent year-on-year growth. The launch of its direct-to-consumer operations in the UK last year laid the groundwork for this latest development.
Enhancing Customer Experience and Community Engagement
The new Gloucester showroom is designed to offer customers an immersive experience that goes beyond online shopping. Visitors can explore REP's equipment in realistic settings, including:
- Simulated garage gym setups.
- Spare-room fitness configurations.
- Full commercial gym environments.
Guided walkthroughs and live demonstrations will be available to help customers make informed decisions. Richard Millbank, UK Managing Director at REP Fitness, emphasised the value of this physical presence, stating: "Opening our first UK showroom here in Gloucester allows customers to experience REP equipment in a way that simply isn't possible online. It also gives us a permanent base to build long-term relationships with gyms both locally and nationally, as well as athletes and training communities, while delivering faster fulfilment and UK-based support."
In addition to the showroom, REP Fitness has launched a UK Athlete Programme, with plans to collaborate closely with athletes and ambassadors based in Gloucestershire. The company also aims to forge new partnerships with gyms, clubs, charities, and schools across the county and throughout the UK, fostering stronger community ties.
Public Access and Operational Details
The flagship showroom will open its doors to the public starting January 31. Operating hours will be from Tuesday to Saturday, between 9am and 4pm, providing ample opportunity for fitness enthusiasts and professionals to visit and explore the extensive range of equipment on display. This opening is set to bolster Gloucester's retail and business offerings, positioning the city as a key destination for fitness innovation and investment.
