Gymshark

Gymshark Ltd is a British multinational athletic apparel retailer with head office in Solihull, England.[6] Founded in June 2012 by Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan, the company was initially operating from a garage, using basic equipment such as a sewing machine and screen printer to produce garments. Since then, Gymshark has grown into a multinational retailer with a presence in over 230 countries through its online platforms.[7][8]

As of 2025, Gymshark reports a global community of over 10 million customers and more than 18 million followers across social media platforms.[9] The company operates 14 international online stores and employs over 900 staff across multiple regions, including its headquarters in Solihull, West Midlands, and an office in Denver, Colorado.[7] Gymshark reached a valuation of over £1 billion in 2020.[10][11] Gymshark sells online and it opened its first retail store on Regent Street, London.[12]

History

Locations

Gymshark's headquarters is at Blythe Valley Park in Solihull, West Midlands,[28] Gymshark also has an office in London, and a North American office in Denver.[20][29] Gymshark opened its first store on Regent Street in London on 29 October 2022.[12]

This was followed by stores at Westfield Stratford City and White City.[30] The first non-London store, at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester, is planned to open in July 2025.[31]

Products and marketing

Gymshark sells fitness apparel for men and women[32] including workout vests, hoodies, t-shirts and leggings.[33] While the brand was initially aimed at men, by 2020 approximately two thirds of sales were to women.[34]

The company does not rely substantially on brick-and-mortar stores but did open its first pop-up shop in London's Covent Garden in February 2020.[12][35] In 2022, Gymshark opened its first permanent store in Regent Street in London.[12]

In August 2019, Gymshark released a fitness app offering both free and premium plans.[36] The app provides a range of workouts, video demonstrations and customizable training plans. The home-based workouts gained popularity during the COVID-19 lockdowns.[37]

Public relations

In 2024, Gymshark named bodybuilder and social media superstar Chris Bumstead aka CBUM as an athlete and new shareholder. “We’re beyond excited to welcome Chris to Gymshark, as both an athlete and a part-owner.” said Noel Mack, Chief Brand Officer.[42] The announcement came as the 6 x Olympia winner retired from competitive bodybuilding and began to think about life beyond his time on stage.[43]

In late 2023, American influencer Alix Earle alleged that Gymshark prematurely terminated a promotional partnership after she expressed pro-Israel views on social media. Earle claimed in filings to the High Court that Gymshark had agreed to pay her US$ 1 million for promotional content, including TikTok and Instagram posts, an event appearance, and a photo shoot.[44] She argued that the agreement was ended early due to negative responses online to her stance. Gymshark denied that a binding contract existed.[45]

Gymshark has also faced disputes with former brand ambassadors over restrictive contractual clauses. In 2023, British powerlifter Nathaniel Massiah, who had been an influencer for the company since age 17, began promoting a rival brand during a non-compete period.[46] Massiah’s legal team contended the contract and proceedings were bought to a close.[47]

External links