From their fashionable gym clothing to their progressive office environment, Gymshark is one of the UK’s fastest growing companies. Started by Ben Francis in 2012, Gymshark seeks to create gym apparel that is both functional and fashionable. Many millennials have probably heard of the company, considering their outstanding social media and internet presence. The majority of their marketing comes from Youtube Stars, famous athletes, and popular Instagram models, but, how did Gymshark get this big?
We can start with their founder, Ben Francis. Since a child, Ben was always pursuing the entrepreneurial dream. As a teenager, Ben was obsessed with making websites, and using the internet to generate passive income. His most successful site sold custom British licences plates, inspiring him to do more. After the iPhone’s release in 2007, Ben saw a market, creating 4 apps in the span of a few years, 2 of them being fitness apps. Then, in 2012, Ben and one of his friends decided to start another website, Gymshark. With the Dream of becoming a Titan in the fitness industry, Ben worked 70+ hours a week designing, sewing, and shipping his newest brand, Gymshark. At the beginning Gymshark only sold embroidered tank tops and t-shirts, but they new something wasn’t right. They saw a problem with the shirts the were ordering, the sleeves were to long or the seams weren’t tailored in a way that made the male physique look good for gym-goers. Solving this problem has made the company millions.
Gymsharks advertising and marketing venture started a bit unconventionally. As the product started to gain popularity, Ben decide to send his merchandise to popular YouTubers and bodybuilders, asking them to review it and wear it. Of course, they loved the product. Gymshark now markets entirely on celebrity endorsments, reaching out to up and coming Instagram models and YouTubers offering to “sponser” them (essentially asking them to wear their product in the pictures and videos they create).
Gymshark certainly has an inspiring story, taking the drive and innovation out of a man and turning it into a company that is forcing big brands like Nike and Adidas to re-think how they design their clothes.
I think this is a huge up and coming business that will only continue to grow. Even being in and out of the gym periodically you will see many individuals wearing Gymshark attire. They have completely re-shaped the face of fitness clothing and due to their advertising I believe they will only get bigger and better. I also like the point of how you believe it will cause other clothing companies to change the way they are designing clothes. I think this is a key point and very true if the other companies would like to stay in the battle for fitness clothing against Gymshark.
I have actually been looking into Gymshark apparel recently! I had no idea about the story behind its creation. It is truly amazing to see how social media websites can act as some of the best marketing platforms available. I think having access to and having knowledge of social media is a great benefit that our generation can utilize.
That’s great I see that as also a way to use those clothes to not only wear in the gym but outside that gym. Makes fitness clothes a bit more fashionable if they can fit and be more tailored to your body.
I think this story is amazing with two unique problems addressed. The obvious one of course is the problem discussed about the gym gear not looking great on gym goers. However, I feel that the way they marketed their product is also a true showing of entrepreneurship. They could have advertised like everyone else, but they saw a unique market in the social media world that would allow them to reach a lot of young people that would need/want their product. Clearly this has worked out well for them since they have been so successful!
I always see people wearing Gymshark apparel whether it is in person or on social media. They do a great job of marketing their products. Having fit and attractive people wearing their clothing makes others want to join the movement. They also advertise for people that are just starting to work out which is another great marketing strategy.
I am not personally familiar with Gymshark, but I love their business idea of marketing through up and coming Youtubers and Instagram workout warriors. They have also solved the problem of gym clothes looking funky on the male physique. That’s a nice touch because gym goers are constantly looking for gear that makes them look good.
Some companies know exactly how to market their products to their customers. Gymshark definitely does this well, sending their products to people with influence on social media to promote. I also know that the female line is very flattering with the colors and the styles, which makes it athletic clothing you aren’t ashamed of wearing when going to the gym. I know that quality is highly sought after by many people I know.
This story is just uncanny! Absolutely mind-blowing the achievement that young man has achieved. It goes to show you age, inexperience really don’t determine as much as we think it does. It is all about how one develops their skills and believes in them.