Meteorite takes David Lloyd Leisure account
Meteorite has been appointed to handle David Lloyd Leisure fitness centres’ advertising and marketing business.
Meteorite beat two undisclosed agencies for the business after a pitch overseen by sales and marketing director Ken Johnston. It will create a local and national campaign including advertising, direct marketing and relationship marketing.
The business moves from incumbent JJ Marketing. Media planning and buying remains with Austin West Media.
David Lloyd Leisure has 50 centres, pitched at the premium end of the fitness market, but plans to double this number over the next five years.
The chain, owned by Whitbread, spent &£205,000 on advertising in the year to March (Nielsen MMS) but the budget will rise significantly for next year, says a spokesman. A trial print and radio campaign will start in November before a full roll out nationwide.
Rival health club operator Esporta has recently been bolstered by the acquisition of private chain Invicta Leisure, giving it 42 health and fitness clubs and 18 racquet clubs. Meanwhile, privately owned Cannons has made a &£200m takeover bid for Holmes Place.
Whitbread reported like-for-like sales up 6.3 per cent at David Lloyd Fitness centres during the first half of 2002 compared with the same period in 2001.
