Xperience Fitness closes all Wisconsin clubs; staff, members shocked
MILWAUKEE - Xperience Fitness Clubs unexpectedly shut down all seven of its Wisconsin locations Thursday, June 29 – leaving more than 100 employees without work or warning.
"We were literally selling memberships for personal training up until the day of," said Tony Yera, general manager of the West Allis location.
Just hours before closing for the day, Yera said things took an unexpected turn.
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"An email was sent to all employees saying that there was a meeting later, eventually that boss ended up calling me saying – it was true, that we were closing down at 9 p.m. that day," Yera said.
"You would've thought we’d be in the loop on something at least."
Xperience Fitness in West Allis
However, Yera and many staff members said they were left completely in the dark.
"Morning of, I wrote a letter for an employee who was a veteran, he was a Purple Heart veteran. He was getting a letter to confirm his pay that he worked here, for an apartment," said Yera.
Also at the West Allis location, dozens of people showed up to get a work out in only to see a closed sign Friday.
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"Reading the ‘we’re closed’ sign, it was a little heartbreaking. I’ve been coming here a while," Bobby Bullard, Xperience Fitness member.
"I wasn’t very sure if it was like true or false," said Luis, another member.
With a posting on the door confirmed the news, members are being transferred to Planet Fitness. Employees, though, are left uncertain of next steps.
Xperience Fitness
"Knowing the staff we had here, some were living paycheck to paycheck. Now they have to figure out what’s next for them," Yera said.
FOX6 News reached out to Xperience Fitness several times with questions but did not hear back. A post on the Xperience Fitness Facebook page said:
"This was an incredibly difficult decision and we apologize about this unfortunate news.
"Thank you to all of our staff members, trainers and most importantly our amazing members for 11 years of fitness.
"Our focus is and always will be on our members and we look forward to continuing to serve our Minnesota members.
"We want to thank you for having allowed Xperience Fitness to be a part of your lifestyle. We wish you the absolute best in the future."