Unscripted: Barry's Steve Padis on the State of Boutique Fitness

Steve Padis joins the ATN podcast to discuss his brand’s growth, its future plans and predict where the boutique fitness industry is headed

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Steve Padis, the chief financial officer and executive vice president of strategy at Barry’s, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss what Barry’s looks for in potential new markets, whether or not boutique studios are feeling pressure from the rise of HVLP gyms and the value of intentional branding.

Padis, Hertzman and Malzone break down what makes the Barry’s experience so special, the beauty of the basics in fitness programming, how to scale without losing product quality and the boutique brand’s future goals. The three also touch on the dynamic between suburban and city growth and how consumers are redefining membership parameters.

• Franchise vs corporate-owned expansion

• The current state of the boutique fitness market

• Brand allure beyond the product

• (0:00 -3:31) What is Barry’s?

• (3:31 – 5:07) Impact of the Princeton Equity Deal

• (5:07 – 11:31) Growth principles

• (11:31 – 17:08) Boutique’s today

• (17:08 – 21:22) Protecting the Barry’s identity

• (21:22 – 23:22) Future goals

• (23:22 – 27:53) Surprise success stories

• (27:53 – 32:52) Potential competition and industry concerns

• (32:52 – 34:58) New membership models

• (34:58 – 36:21) What a year of success looks like for Barry’s