It was recently announced that El Cap, among the largest national networks of climbing gyms, has acquired Movement Climbing and Fitness. Other gym chains already under the El Cap network include Earth Treks and Planet Granite.
The news of Movement’s joining of El Cap spread through an email titled “The Next Horizon,” which was sent in the form of a letter addressed to members of the Movement community. “We believe that by positioning ourselves with the prominently growing group in the country, we can have an incredibly positive impact on the rock climbing industry at a national level, offer more services to members and guests, and more career possibilities to staff,” the letter, collectively authored by Movement’s founders Anne-Worley and Mike Moelter, stated. “We believe the sum is greater than the parts. Collectively, Movement, Earth Treks, and Planet Granite will stand beside each other to affect positive change in the climbing industry.”
The announcement also noted that members of Movement gyms will have membership access to Earth Treks and Planet Granite facilities around the country. It also stated that membership options will remain unchanged for the remainder of the year, with new member pricing going into effect for Earth Trek members at the onset of 2020. Guest passes and retail discounts will not carry over across the different gym brands just yet.
A subsequent press release indicated 16 climbing gyms (including the three Movement facilities) will now be in the El Cap network—serving a total of 4 million patrons annually. El Cap’s CEO, Robert Cohen, was quoted as saying, “This is a very special opportunity for us all. Movement Climbing and Fitness’ premier locations and high-quality services align with El Cap’s climbing gyms, and they have an impressive team that supports these functions. These gyms will expand access with one membership and allow us to collectively continue our work in building a stronger climbing community for all to participate in.”
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