The Wall Street Journal released the following news article by Kris Hudson on Sept. 7, 2011
With traditional retailers reluctant to renew or sign leases, landlords are embracing the influx of health clubs. According to real-estate research company CoStar Inc., health clubs and gyms accounted for 8.8% of new leases signed so far this year by retail chains in the U.S., compared with 7.9% at the same point last year. The rush into shopping centers has helped fuel a 57% increase in square footage occupied by U.S. health clubs since 2007, to more than 70 million square feet. MORE.