Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has revealed that a new investor in a 38-year old fitness chain that closed suddenly last month has been in touch, while a branch that reopened earlier has been renamed for a second time.
Physical Health Centre abruptly announced the “temporary closure” of all its branches early last month, leaving hundreds of staff jobless and triggering thousands of complaints from angry customers.
Its Wan Chai outlet reopened under the new name of “Healthy” about a week after Physical reached a consensus with a new investor. But it was found to have changed its name again on Thursday to “Perfit”, raising concern among ex-Physical members who signed on with Healthy.
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The Consumer Council said on Thursday that the new investor had contacted it the previous day. The watchdog added that it would announce more details after obtaining further information.
As of 5pm on Thursday, the council had received 5,303 complaints related to Physical, involving a total sum of HK$189 million.
The average amount per case was HK$35,665, with the highest sum involving HK$2 million and the lowest HK$99.
At its former Wan Chai branch, the signage had been switched from “Healthy” to “Perfit”. Notices inside said it would only operate from 10am to 8pm because of staff shortages.
More than 700 workers were left in limbo by the closure of Physical, prompting authorities to set up an interdepartmental team to investigate. As part of the investigation, two directors of Physical were arrested.
A former Physical member said she was worried her personal data had been transferred multiple times to different parties in the past month but added that there was nothing much she could do.
More from South China Morning Post:
- Hong Kong’s Physical fitness chain shuts after 38 years, blaming high rents
- What led to Hong Kong’s Physical gym chain closure and how clients can protect themselves
- Hong Kong’s Physical fitness chain says branch will reopen thanks to new investor
- Hong Kong’s Physical fitness chain members warned over ‘consent forms’ at reopened gym
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