California Fitness Winding Up Saga (Compiled)

[snowball]

after cali fitness closed down, which gym will those regular plan to join? anytime nex vs safra tpy which better?

[Guest Hamm]

20 minutes ago, snowball said:

after cali fitness closed down, which gym will those regular plan to join? anytime nex vs safra tpy which better?

 

I would suggest if you are a serious gymmer, go to no frills gym like sports council, YMCA, Gymboxx, Safra.

 

those branded commercial gyms are suitable for those who want classes, go there cruise, socialise, etc.

 

plus you do not know when they will shut down. At least Safra and sports council will always be there.

[Guest Fatty]

24 minutes ago, snowball said:

after cali fitness closed down, which gym will those regular plan to join? anytime nex vs safra tpy which better?

Anytime 

[Guest Damn]

Can pop champagne. Heard Cali gym closed for good Liao.

 

Eye sore management together with most of its 'loyal' customers,

 

pity those kenna conned into packages recently.

[mate69]

Yes all branches in sg to close with immediate effect, say liquidators.

News already out on CNA.

 

KO.

[Guest Guest]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/all-california-fitness/2969462.html

 

All California Fitness centres in Singapore to close with immediate effect

• Posted 20 Jul 2016 00:15
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• Updated 20 Jul 2016 00:20

Photo of California Fitness, Bugis (Photo: California Fitness website)

• ENLARGE
• CAPTION 

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SINGAPORE: All California Fitness gyms in Singapore will be closed with immediate effect.

In a media announcement shortly after midnight on Wednesday (Jul 20), Tim Reif and Theresa Ng of Ferrier Hodgson said they have been appointed as Provisional Liquidators of JV Fitness Pte Ltd, by the order of the High Court on Jul 19, 2016. 

JV Fitness owns and operates the California Fitness centres located at Bugis, Raffles Place and Novena. 

"JV Fitness does not have adequate liquid resources to continue its operations and therefore all outlets in Singapore will be closed from today until further notice.

"The Provisional Liquidators will quickly explore options that may be available to enable the business to operate but for time being, it is necessary to cease the operations of the fitness centres with immediate effect," the med

[fmen]

end of the road ....

[gc0805]

On 18 July 2016 at 0:39 PM, Guest guest said:

earlier there were also "very accurate insider info" saying one will close on sunday, the other will close on monday. Now both are still open.They spread all sorts of rumours. 

 

verified and validated.

Edited July 19, 2016 by gc0805

[hmc]

Karma has struck....

 

CF has forced too many people to sign up for something that they don't really want. And now, it is forced to shut down which is something that it doesn't really want.

 

Aggressive and dishonest tactics may bring short-term gains but will never be sustainable. The Jovan Chew case and the California Fitness case are perfect examples.

 

My deepest sympathy goes out to those who paid for their package in advance but is now unable to claim back anything...

 

 

[gc0805]

Compare what the HK Customs and Excise Dept is doing with what our govt is doing. Surely CAD should be investigating??

Edited July 19, 2016 by gc0805

[Guest :-(]

Hahaha then where are all those cruisers going to hook up when CF shut down for good?

[boyishfit22]

Join FF FTW =p ~~~

[Guest Gali]

There goes a long-time cruising ground for many SG gays.

 

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/all-california-fitness/2969462.html

 

All California Fitness centres in Singapore to close with immediate effect

SINGAPORE: All California Fitness gyms in Singapore will be closed with immediate effect.

 

In a media announcement shortly after midnight on Wednesday (Jul 20), Tim Reid and Theresa Ng of Ferrier Hodgson said they have been appointed as Provisional Liquidators of JV Fitness Pte Ltd, by the order of the High Court on Jul 19, 2016. 

 

JV Fitness owns and operates the California Fitness centres located at Bugis, Raffles Place and Novena. 

 

"JV Fitness does not have adequate liquid resources to continue its operations and therefore all outlets in Singapore will be closed from today until further notice.

 

"The Provisional Liquidators will quickly explore options that may be available to enable the business to operate but for time being, it is necessary to cease the operations of the fitness centres with immediate effect," the media release said.

[superflawless]

Never mind. Already looking for an alternative gym all this time. California doesn't owe me any thing and I am not magnanimous enough to worry about the rest of the members. 自求多福吧！ Now the fun is going to new gyms for trials. 

[Guest Gali]

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/california-fitness-shuts-remaining-outlets

 

California Fitness shuts remaining outlets in Singapore

Early this morning, it was announced that California Fitness has shut down all its outlets here until further notice.

 

This was revealed in a media statement sent out at 12.03am by its provisional liquidators from recovery firm Ferrier Hodgson. The statement said the outlets, including the ones in Novena and Bugis, were closed with immediate effect because its owner, JV Fitness, lacks the finances to keep them running.

 

''The Provisional Liquidators will quickly explore options that maybe available to enable the business to operate but for the time being, it is necessary to cease the operations of the fitness centres with immediate effect,'' the statement read.

 

This follows the abrupt closure of its downtown Republic Plaza branch last Saturday. Since then, scores of members of the gym chain have been seeking refunds.

 

Some have lodged official complaints with the Small Claims Tribunal or approached the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) in an attempt to recover their membership fees, which, for many of them, run into the thousands. In the four days since the Republic Plaza branch shut, Case received over 100 complaints against the chain.

 

One 29-year-old member, who wanted to be known only as Mr Chng, decided to take his complaint to the Small Claims Tribunal yesterday. He signed up for a five-year membership and 80 personal training sessions with California Fitness in January. The real estate agent said he stands to lose an estimated $8,000 should these branches also shut their doors.

 

Yesterday, gym-goers got to work out as usual at the Bugis and Novena branches, but staff remained tight-lipped when asked about future operations.

 

The mood among some members was sombre. Mr Michael Da Silva, a 26-year-old pilot who worked out at the Bugis branch on Monday, said: ''The atmosphere is really bad. Everyone seems really uncertain of what's going on.''

 

The sense of uncertainty had been heightened after the chain's Republic Plaza branch was repossessed abruptly after it was unable to pay the rent. All California Fitness outlets in Hong Kong closed last week due to mounting debt.

 

In Singapore, a Ngee Ann City outlet closed in February.

 

Yesterday, calls to the management went unanswered. Its main office in Novena Square also seemed deserted during office hours when The StraitsTimes visited yesterday.

 

A Facebook group, for which Mr Chng acts as an administrator, is exploring ways to ensure that those who paid fees to the gym chain do not lose out. The group has gained more than 580 members in the two days since it was created.

 

An online petition titled ''Get California Fitness to refund its victims'' - addressed to Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade)-has over1,000 signatures.

 

One lawyer, however, cautioned that customers face an uphill battle to secure refunds, in cases where a business goes bust due to financial difficulties. Said Mr Amolat Singh: ''Any assets (that a business has) will go towards paying landlords, the tax authorities or employees before it goes towards refunding the customers.''

 

[Guest Sad]

My sis still has like 2 yrs left (thru instalments) and many sessions of PT untouched.

 

Do u guys think possible to get a refund (or at least some money back!) thru whatever means?

[Guest Jialat]

6 hours ago, Guest :-( said:

Hahaha then where are all those cruisers going to hook up when CF shut down for good?

 

The CF cruisers are leftovers who look scarey (physically) and behaves in real creepy manner. See them I turn str8 Liao. 

[Guest Fatty]

6 hours ago, Guest :-( said:

Hahaha then where are all those cruisers going to hook up when CF shut down for good?

Clementi mrt toilet 

[Brocklm]

Sad to say it will be hard to retrieve back the money like article also mentioned that customers will be the last for any repayment. Suggest that u file a case with CASE. For a record purpose.

[Guest Jialat]

12 minutes ago, Guest Fatty said:

Clementi mrt toilet 

 

I agree LOL. These trolls were part of the initial group who paid the infinity plans with $8 renewal fee. Many who still stick around no longer gym, do any sort of work out, or even take care of themselves (seriously not even moisturize, look worst than the uncles selling vege in wet market).  They just treat the place as a cheap sauna. 

[Guest Guest]

27 minutes ago, Guest Jialat said:

 

The CF cruisers are leftovers who look scarey (physically) and behaves in real creepy manner. See them I turn str8 Liao. 

 

8 minutes ago, Guest Jialat said:

 

I agree LOL. These trolls were part of the initial group who paid the infinity plans with $8 renewal fee. Many who still stick around no longer gym, do any sort of work out, or even take care of themselves (seriously not even moisturize, look worst than the uncles selling vege in wet market).  They just treat the place as a cheap sauna. 

 

LOL....

 

 

So, how much did you pay for Cali last time....

[camus]

2 hours ago, Guest Sad said:

My sis still has like 2 yrs left (thru instalments) and many sessions of PT untouched.

 

Do u guys think possible to get a refund (or at least some money back!) thru whatever means?

 

ask her quickly call the bank and stop installment payments ASAP

[Guest Jialat]

6 minutes ago, Guest Guest said:

 

 

LOL....

 

 

 

So, how much did you pay for Cali last time....

 

I managed to get 3 years plan averaging about $60 per month. Anyway I move since move on to CC gyms as I do not see the point (I do not use classes). Only plus point is the shower which I can use on weekend to dress up immediately for an outing.  CC gyms also have some disgusting people, typically neighbor ah bengs will act like they own the place.

 

Not trying to be mean, but I have not seen physically repulsive local people outside of cali-gym, not even in my wet market. Can see some totally deteriorated gays (funny enough these people would spend money inject botox/fillers looking even worst) trolling in the change room. And some of these creeps are not poor people (was told by my contacts they are in those high-paid professions).

[cutejack]

Luckily sia.almost join the membership juz two weeks ago.the guy in bugis branch pester me to join n he was unhappy when i rejected.real mf.

[camus]

that's why i always try to avoid signing packages. read too many stories of people buying big expensive packages that help you 'save' in the long term, but then the company closes. my friend paid $8888 for cali lifetime membership.

Edited July 20, 2016 by camus
added details

[Guest Guest]

4 minutes ago, Guest Jialat said:

 

I managed to get 3 years plan averaging about $60 per month. Anyway I move since move on to CC gyms as I do not see the point (I do not use classes). Only plus point is the shower which I can use on weekend to dress up immediately for an outing.  CC gyms also have some disgusting people, typically neighbor ah bengs will act like they own the place.

 

Not trying to be mean, but I have not seen physically repulsive local people outside of cali-gym, not even in my wet market. Can see some totally deteriorated gays (funny enough these people would spend money inject botox/fillers looking even worst) trolling in the change room. And some of these creeps are not poor people (was told by my contacts they are in those high-paid professions).

 

CC gyms you complain about Ah Bengs... Cali you also complain physically repulsive people.... You go build your own gym lor...LOL

[cutejack]

Whao $8888 ? Very ong le.lolxxx

[camus]

Just now, cutejack said:

Whao $8888 ? Very ong le.lolxxx

 

yah lor, but that was their promo lifetime membership at one point

[cutejack]

Never commit especially when come to money.ppl can easily ask but no one will give us.wonder the members can claim or not.hmmmm

[Guest Guest]

Since it affected quite a number of members , CASE should offered to assist for those who have paid for much and left with years as

members instead of doing nothing about it ! 

[eastmolton]

Just want to share my process of stopping my monthly membership instalment free payment with the bank and what it leads to.

 

I called the bank regarding my instalment free payment to Cali and was told that they can't terminate my payment because the bank has already paid Cali upfront and my monthly payment is to the bank and not Cali i.e. i owe the bank.

The bank advised me to go to CASE which i immediately make a call to enquire about it and CASE asked me to go to The Small Claim Tribunals cuz Cali has ceased operation. After speaking with the state courts over the phone, i'm advised purchase Cali business profile from ACRA and fill in some forms from their website etc and there'll be $10 claim fee if claim doesn't exceed $5K.

Do i still want to proceed if the chances of getting back my money is slim? Hmmm...

[Guest Gali]

2 hours ago, camus said:

 

ask her quickly call the bank and stop installment payments ASAP

 

Sad to say i think for instalment payments, the bank wld already hv paid the full sum to Cali upfront, so essentially you are paying instalment every month to the bank and not Cali. If you stop paying now, the bank will be the one that takes action against you. 

 

I am not sure if there is any successful case of asking the bank to stop instalment  in such instance, but i wld think chances will be very very low. Sigh

[fab]

30 minutes ago, Guest Guest said:

Since it affected quite a number of members , CASE should offered to assist for those who have paid for much and left with years as

members instead of doing nothing about it ! 

 

Just to clarify, case is only pte legal supplier only it has no legal power towards dishonest merchants.

 

25 minutes ago, eastmolton said:

Just want to share my process of stopping my monthly membership instalment free payment with the bank and what it leads to.

 

I called the bank regarding my instalment free payment to Cali and was told that they can't terminate my payment because the bank has already paid Cali upfront and my monthly payment is to the bank and not Cali i.e. i owe the bank.

The bank advised me to go to CASE which i immediately make a call to enquire about it and CASE asked me to go to The Small Claim Tribunals cuz Cali has ceased operation. After speaking with the state courts over the phone, i'm advised purchase Cali business profile from ACRA and fill in some forms from their website etc and there'll be $10 claim fee if claim doesn't exceed $5K.

Do i still want to proceed if the chances of getting back my money is slim? Hmmm...

 

How much outstanding instalment?

 

Imo diff to get back . companies r pte limited for a reason.

[mith]

just to add... all interest-free installment plans offered by major credit cards of many local banks to payment of gym memberships; country clubs memberships, and buying of furniture and electronic goods (TV, households  stuffs by COURTS, BEST DENKI, HARVEY NORMAN etc); even packages deal by beauty salon for facials etc etc... are already paid in full to the companies by the banks, whereas your monthly credit amount are just to repaying the banks! 

 

in any event that the companies closed shop, there's no stopping of payment for the remaining months until installment end date.

 

[mith]

also for those who wanna log a case for refunds... prepare to wait for a considerable amount of time! and even more money! for all legal cases takes months even years, and in the end, the frustrations,and the extra money spent may not even cover the end result or outcome of the case by the courts. in singapore law, retail consumers rightS ARE NOT PROTECTED BY LAW yet. go ask any lawyers.... 

[mith]

i wonder how the staffs reacting to this... i think many weren't even told of this outcome, and the media were alerted only after midnight yesterday... what about their salary?

[Guest Mama]

Jialat! With this closure where would those old gays and old aunties go to live out their fantasies?

[iamziz]

24 minutes ago, mith said:

i wonder how the staffs reacting to this... i think many weren't even told of this outcome, and the media were alerted only after midnight yesterday... what about their salary?

 

Glad to know someone thinks about the staff, too. Imagine if this happens to us working in a company. Not only the customers affected.

[Guest Liquidator]

The employees will get paid before anyone else (except Inland Rev). Members probably won't get much as unsecured creditors, if they get anything at all. Most of the gym equipment is probably leased, so don't even think.

[Guest Liquidator]

1 hour ago, mith said:

just to add... all interest-free installment plans offered by major credit cards of many local banks to payment of gym memberships; country clubs memberships, and buying of furniture and electronic goods (TV, households  stuffs by COURTS, BEST DENKI, HARVEY NORMAN etc); even packages deal by beauty salon for facials etc etc... are already paid in full to the companies by the banks, whereas your monthly credit amount are just to repaying the banks! 

 

in any event that the companies closed shop, there's no stopping of payment for the remaining months until installment end date.

 

Put bluntly, these clubs are refusing to take a credit risk on you when you sign up, but expect you to take a credit risk on them.

[superflawless]

I just spoke to the sweet Malay girl manning the towel section at Bugis yesterday. This is what she said when I told her I heard that the gym will be closed at the end of the month. "The management told us to carry as per normal." I bet the cleaners and the staff were all blindsided with this closure today. I see them almost daily for the past 6 years at this outlet. I shall miss them.

Edited July 20, 2016 by superflawless

[Guest Guest]

Sadly many hunky trainers will be out of jobs from the gym closure. Same goes to the hunky members who will have one less gathering place.

[Guest jialat]

1 hour ago, Guest Mama said:

Jialat! With this closure where would those old gays and old aunties go to live out their fantasies?

 

There are so many other gyms in Singapore for them to choose.  Why jialat?  

[Guest Guest]

Another truth about man's pursuit for manmade creations instead of ethereal nirvana.....seek the rays from mother nature than metals from the gym. The only exercise we need to do is seek the path of discussion and thoughts..that will lead to knowledge and great wisdom.

[camus]

Just now, Guest Guest said:

Another truth about man's pursuit for manmade creations instead of ethereal nirvana.....seek the rays from mother nature than metals from the gym. The only exercise we need to do is seek the path of discussion and thoughts..that will lead to knowledge and great wisdom.

 

nope i disagree. you need to have physical exercise also to keep yourself fit and healthy.

[Guest Guest]

Next time gyms will be segregated into hunks and non-hunks, LGBT and straight

[jj88]

Many gyms might not able to take in so many new members.

Other gyms don't offer so many Group Ex classes.

I will miss my Yoga, Body Combat and many classes as well as the dedicated instructors. They were great and continue teaching  knowing that they might not receive pay check.

[Guest dododo]

5 minutes ago, jj88 said:

Many gyms might not able to take in so many new members.

Other gyms don't offer so many Group Ex classes.

I will miss my Yoga, Body Combat and many classes as well as the dedicated instructors. They were great and continue teaching  knowing that they might not receive pay check.

 

If I am owner of other high class gym I will quickly do social marketing, ask them who recently sign up (lost alot of money kind) to come to me with their contracts (as proof) and give them special package.

 

Those other lao gay lao auntie cheapo types I ask them to f&&K off. Sorry I am not interested to take their instructors too. LOL.

[Guest Guest]

2 hours ago, mith said:

i wonder how the staffs reacting to this... i think many weren't even told of this outcome, and the media were alerted only after midnight yesterday... what about their salary?

 

I was told by my friend's PT in Cali, Cali pays their staff on the 15th of every mth, so the staff would already hv been paid this month. Sounds legit, thats why Raffles only closed on 16th morning, after pay day. But the PT said that they really didnt know all outlets will close, they are equally as clueless as the members and are damn worried now. 

[Guest Cheery california]

Lies factory. False optimism. Stoicism gone awry. Empty positive vibes like empty calories, are unhealthy. Hongkong is basically facing a downturn. Singapore too. Why would the gym survive? Because of it's cheerful name? Everyone involved is blinded by optimism, which is unhealthy, even lethal in such liberal doses!