{{Short description|British fitness apparel company}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox company | name = Gymshark Ltd | logo = Gymshark.svg | logo_size = 220px | type = | industry = {{Plainlist| * Fitness apparel * Accessories * Sports equipment }} | foundation = {{Start date and age|df=y|2012|07|05}}<ref name="CompaniesHouse">{{Cite web |date=2012-07-05 |title=Gymshark Ltd overview – Find and update company information – Gov.uk |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/08130873 |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Companies House |language=en}}</ref> | founders = Ben Francis<br> Lewis Morgan | location = Solihull, West Midlands, England<ref>{{cite web |title=How Gymshark grew by 200%+ year on year and hit £41M in sales (Updated 2019) |url=https://beeketing.com/blog/gymshark-growth-story/ |website=Beeketing|date=18 January 2019 }}</ref> | key_people = Ben Francis (Founder and CEO)<ref>{{cite web |title=Ben Francis |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/ben-francis/ |website=Forbes |accessdate=14 July 2020}}</ref> | products = {{Plainlist| * Sportswear * Athleisure }} | revenue = {{£|556.2 million}} (2023)<ref>{{cite web |title=Gymshark CEO: 2024 will be our 'biggest ever year' (Updated 2024) |url=https://www.drapersonline.com/news/gymshark-ceo-2024-will-be-our-biggest-ever-year |website=Drapers|date=24 April 2024 }}</ref> | operating_income = | net_income = | owner = Ben Francis<br>General Atlantic (21%) | num_employees = 850 (2021)<ref name=":3b">{{cite news|date=2021-04-04|title=From Delivering Pizzas To Building A Billion Pound Business Empire Minutes With UNILAD|language=en-GB|work=UNILAD|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uNI24lNGAQ|access-date=2021-04-04}}</ref> | parent = | subsid = | homepage = {{URL|https://gymshark.com}} | footnotes = | key_organisation = }} '''Gymshark Ltd''' is a British multinational athletic apparel retailer with head office in Solihull, England.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=About Gymshark |url=https://uk.gymshark.com/pages/about-us |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=Gymshark UK |language=en-GB}}</ref> 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.<ref name="aboutus">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.gymshark.com/pages/about-us |website=Gymshark |access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Kabir |last1=Ahuja |first2=Fiona |last2= Hampshire|first3=Alex |last3=Harper|first4=Annabel |last4=Morgan|first5= Jessica |last5= Moulton |title=A better way to build a brand: The community flywheel |url=https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/a-better-way-to-build-a-brand-the-community-flywheel |website=McKinsey & Company |date=28 September 2022 |access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref>
As of 2025, Gymshark reports a global community of over 10 million customers and more than 18 million followers across social media platforms.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Commitments |url=https://sustainability.gymshark.com/ourplanet/ourcommitments |website=Gymshark |access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref> 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.<ref name="aboutus"/> Gymshark reached a valuation of over £1 billion in 2020.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Daniel |date=14 August 2020 |title=Clothing brand Gymshark becomes UK's newest £1bn start-up |url=https://www.ft.com/content/6122628d-a309-4c33-a664-3fc799b0dee8 |url-access=registration |access-date=2020-10-20 |newspaper=Financial Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2020-08-14 |title=Gymshark founder to become UK's richest self-made person under 30, with firm valued at £1bn |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/gymshark-founder-ben-francis-uk-richest-self-made-person-under-30-580157 |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=inews.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> Gymshark sells online and it opened its first retail store on Regent Street, London.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Gymshark achieve fittest profits in Britain {{!}} GBCC |url=https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/latest-news/news/2020/4/27/gymshark-achieve-fittest-profits-in-britain/ |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com |language=en}}</ref>
==History==
=== 2012–2016 === Gymshark was founded by school friends Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Tamlyn|date=2020-08-14|title=Gymshark secures new backing to target North American market|url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/gymshark-secures-new-backing-target-18771373|access-date=2020-10-20|website=Business Live|language=en}}</ref> Both aged 20, they set up the brand while studying at university.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|last=Rhys|first=Steffan|date=2020-05-19|title=The 27-year-old from Bromsgrove who's already worth well over £100 million|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/ben-francis-gymshark-worth-138-18267332|access-date=2020-10-20|website=BirminghamLive}}</ref> Initially, Gymshark started drop shipping bodybuilding supplements through its website.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-05 |title=About Ben Francis |url=https://www.benfrancis.com/business/about/ |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=Ben Francis |language=en}}</ref> In 2013, it began designing and manufacturing its own fitness apparel.<ref name="benfrancis.com">{{Cite web|date=2020-05-03|title=How I Started The UK's Fastest Growing Company|url=https://www.benfrancis.com/business/how-i-started-the-uks-fastest-growing-company/|access-date=2020-10-20|website=Ben Francis|language=en}}</ref> Francis manufactured the garments in his parents' garage on a made-to-sell basis using a sewing machine and screen printer he purchased with £1,000 of savings.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|last=Times|first=The Sunday|title=How Gymshark founder Ben Francis created his sportswear empire|newspaper=The Times |language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list/article/gymshark-founder-ben-francis-story-2jm7d2trk|access-date=2020-10-20|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> During the first year, Gymshark made £500 in sales per day.<ref name=":4" />
In 2013, the company exhibited at the BodyPower fitness trade show at the NEC arena in Birmingham where it sold out of all its stock in the first day.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|last=Armstrong|first=Ashley|title=Ben Francis: fitness fanatic builds Gymshark into a £1bn business|newspaper=The Times |language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/technology/article/gym-clothing-pioneer-and-fitness-fanatic-builds-gymshark-into-a-1bn-business-mgvjczjnn|access-date=2020-10-20|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> After the show, Gymshark's Luxe tracksuit went viral on Facebook, generating £30,000 of sales within 30 minutes.<ref name=":5" /><ref name="benfrancis.com" />
When the company's revenue reached £250,000, Francis and Morgan both left university to focus on Gymshark full time.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Russell |first=Katie |date=2020-10-07 |title='I don't think it's healthy to retire at 28': Meet Gymshark's £100m co-founder, Lewis Morgan |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/dont-think-healthy-retire-28-meet-gymsharks-100m-co-founder/ |access-date=2020-10-20 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> In 2016, Morgan partially exited the business retaining 20% of the company, to focus on his other ventures, property development company Ernest Cole and fashion label Maniere De Voir.<ref name=":6" />
=== 2019–present === In 2019, the company opened a new 8,000 square foot office in Hong Kong.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=2019-05-29 |title=A Look Inside Gymshark's Hong Kong Office |url=https://www.oktra.co.uk/our-work/gymshark-hongkong/ |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=Oktra |language=en-UK}}</ref> In September that year, Gymshark launched the Gymshark Lifting Club, a gym and innovation hub, on the same site as its headquarters in Solihull.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Media |first=Insider |date=25 March 2019 |title=Gymshark to create gym and innovation hub |url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/gymshark-to-create-gym-and-innovation-hub |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=Insider Media Ltd |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-03 |title=Gymshark open £5 million innovation hub containing the best gym in Europe |url=https://www.buildingproducts.co.uk/gymshark-open-5-million-innovation-hub-containing-best-gym-europe/ |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=Building Products |language=en-US}}</ref>
In August 2020, US private equity firm General Atlantic purchased a 21% stake in the company for £275 million.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gymshark secures investment from General Atlantic valuing company at over £1 billion |url=https://www.generalatlantic.com/media-article/gymshark-secures-investment-from-general-atlantic-valuing-company-at-over-1-billion/ |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=General Atlantic |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-08-14 |title=General Atlantic Invests in $1.3 Billion Gymshark Brand |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-14/general-atlantic-invests-in-1-3-billion-fitness-brand-gymshark |access-date=2020-10-20 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> The company said it would use the funding to further expand globally.<ref name=":1" />
In February 2023, Gymshark appointed bodybuilder and influencer David Laid as "creative director of lifting".<ref>{{Cite web |last=WW |first=FashionNetwork com |title=Gymshark names bodybuilder David Laid as Creative Director of Lifting |url=https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Gymshark-names-bodybuilder-david-laid-as-creative-director-of-lifting,1487031.html |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=FashionNetwork.com |language=en-WW}}</ref>
In March 2025, it was reported that Alix Earle was suing the company for £775,500 in losses following allegations it cancelled a sponsorship agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bannerman |first=Lucy |date=2025-03-23 |title=Model sues Gymshark after ‘Zionist’ posts allegedly led to her being axed |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/society/article/model-sues-gymshark-after-zionist-posts-allegedly-led-to-her-being-axed-jxfjkhtfv |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=www.thetimes.com |language=en}}</ref> In April of the same year, Gymshark proposed a business restructure that would place almost a third of its workforce at risk of redundancy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Jon |date=2025-04-30 |title=Gymshark puts 300 jobs at risk despite record sales |url=https://www.cityam.com/gymshark-puts-300-jobs-at-risk-despite-record-sales/ |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=City AM |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Locations== [[File:Gymshark Office Blythe Valley.jpg|thumb|Gymshark headquarters in Blythe Valley Park]] Gymshark's headquarters is at Blythe Valley Park in Solihull, West Midlands,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Gymshark secures future of global HQ in Solihull |url=https://blythevalleypark.co.uk/gymshark-secures-future-of-global-hq-in-solihull/ |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=Blythe Valley Park |language=en-US}}</ref> Gymshark also has an office in London, and a North American office in Denver.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gymshark one of the UK's fastest growing companies, opens North American HQ in Denver|url=https://cresa.com/Locations/North-America/Colorado/Denver-CO/News-Articles/Gymshark-one-of-the|access-date=2020-10-20|website=cresa.com|language=en}}</ref> Gymshark opened its first store on Regent Street in London on 29 October 2022.<ref name=":10" />
This was followed by stores at Westfield Stratford City and White City.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wright |first1=Georgia |title=Interview: Gymshark's GM on its global growth and why it has no ‘big competitors’ – Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2025/03/gymsharks-hannah-mercer/ |access-date=4 July 2025 |date=27 March 2025}}</ref> The first non-London store, at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester, opened in July 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bourne |first1=Dianne |title=Gymshark fans queue for eight hours to be first inside new store – Birmingham Live |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/gymshark-fans-queue-eight-hours-161133266.html |access-date=27 May 2026 |date=13 July 2025}}</ref>
==Products and marketing== Gymshark sells fitness apparel for men and women<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-02 |title=Gymshark takes a bite of the sportswear market |url=https://www.drapersonline.com/people/gymshark-takes-a-bite-of-the-sportswear-market |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=Drapers |language=en}}</ref> including workout vests, hoodies, t-shirts and leggings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TWK |title=Fast Track |url=https://www.fasttrack.co.uk/company_profile/gymshark/ |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=Fast Track |language=en-GB |archive-date=2020-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929075407/https://www.fasttrack.co.uk/company_profile/gymshark/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> While the brand was initially aimed at men, by 2020 approximately two thirds of sales were to women.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |title=How social media made Gymshark |url=https://www.economist.com/britain/2020/08/22/how-social-media-made-gymshark |access-date=2020-10-20 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}</ref>
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.<ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gymshark Pop-Up |url=http://www.coventgarden.london/whats-on/gymshark |access-date=2020-10-20 |website=Covent Garden London}}</ref> In 2022, Gymshark opened its first permanent store in Regent Street in London.<ref name=":10" />
In August 2019, Gymshark released a fitness app offering both free and premium plans.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=The Gymshark Conditioning App: A New World Of Training {{!}} Gymshark Central {{!}} Gymshark Central |url=https://central.gymshark.com/article/the-gymshark-conditioning-app-a-new-world-of-training |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=central.gymshark.com}}</ref> The app provides a range of workouts, video demonstrations and customizable training plans. The home-based workouts gained popularity during the COVID-19 lockdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mandrino |first=Liliia |date=2019-10-24 |title=Gymshark App Review |url=https://liliiamandrino.medium.com/gymshark-app-review-dee71c173f9b |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref>
=== Social media === Gymshark has utilized social media influencer marketing strategies by partnering with social media influencers.<ref name="bbc-100m-2018">{{cite news |last=Bearne |first=Suzanne |date=2018-09-30 |title=The 26-year-old with a £100m sportswear brand |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45246999 |accessdate=2020-12-28 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref><ref name=":11" /> As of 2020, the company was paying 125 influencers to market the brand various on social media platforms, most notable being Francis Ngannou, Saffron Barker, GK Barry, and Tyler Saunders.<ref name=":11" /><ref name="Men's Health 9 March 2023">{{cite news |last1=Wrench |first1=Scarlett |title=Team Talk: How PT Tyler Saunders is Breaking Down Barriers for Adaptive Athletes |url=https://www.menshealth.com/uk/mental-strength/a43115230/team-talk-tyler-saunders-inclusivity-fitness/ |access-date=26 February 2025 |work=Men's Health |date=9 March 2023}}</ref>
=== Partnerships === Gymshark has partnered with SourStrips, Hyperice, Plunge, Turfgames, Ghost, Liquid Death, Barry's, Stanley, Alani Nu, Coffee Dose, Prime, Pressed, Beignet Box, and Go Greek.<ref>{{Cite web |title=#LiftMiami {{!}} Gymshark Miami 2024 {{!}} Gymshark Central |url=https://central.gymshark.com/article/liftmiami-gymshark-miami |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=central.gymshark.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=#LiftLA {{!}} Gymshark LA {{!}} Gymshark Central |url=https://central.gymshark.com/article/liftla-gymshark-la |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=central.gymshark.com}}</ref>
== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Jon |date=2024-09-10 |title=Gymshark names bodybuilder Chris Bumstead as new shareholder |url=https://www.cityam.com/gymshark-names-bodybuilder-chris-bumstead-as-new-shareholder/ |access-date=2025-10-24 |website=City AM |language=en-GB}}</ref> The announcement came as the 6 x Olympia winner retired from competitive bodybuilding and began to think about life beyond his time on stage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Freeman |first=Madison |date=2025-07-15 |title=What Chris Bumstead’s Retirement Taught Him About Strength, Health, and Playing the Long Game |url=https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/what-chris-bumsteads-retirement-taught-him-about-strength |access-date=2025-10-24 |website=Men's Journal |language=en}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Madan |first=Saihaj |title=Who is Alix Earle? TikToker gets $1m payout from Gymshark after pro-Israel post row |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-buzz/who-is-alix-earle-tiktoker-gets-1m-payout-from-gymshark-after-pro-israel-post-row-article-119614565 |work=Times Now News |date=28 March 2025 |access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref> She argued that the agreement was ended early due to negative responses online to her stance. Gymshark denied that a binding contract existed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gymshark settles USD 1 million lawsuit filed by influencer Alix Earle for alleged early deal termination over her pro-Israel views |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/uk/gymshark-settles-usd-1-million-lawsuit-filed-by-influencer-alix-earle-for-alleged-early-deal-termination-over-her-pro-israel-views/articleshow/119614276.cms?from=mdr |work=The Economic Times |date=28 March 2025 |access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Onita |first=Laura |title= Gymshark falls out with influencer over promotion of competitor |url=https://www.ft.com/content/f95f4e53-f965-4d1f-88e4-ee89c9b565b6 |work=Financial Times |date=12 January 2025 |access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref> Massiah’s legal team contended the contract and proceedings were bought to a close.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mouka |first=Marina |title=Lifting lessons from Gymshark’s influencer fallout |url=https://the-cfo.io/2025/01/13/lifting-lessons-from-gymsharks-influencer-fallout/ |website=The CFO |date=13 January 2025 |access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website}}
Category:2012 establishments in the United Kingdom Category:Athletic apparel retailers Category:British brands Category:Clothing brands of the United Kingdom Category:Clothing companies established in 2012 Category:Sporting goods manufacturers of the United Kingdom Category:Sportswear brands