Planet Fitness to open Auburn gym at former Bed Bath & Beyond

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  Health and Fitness on Thu, Oct 30th, 2025 by Telegram

A Reclaimed Space

The former Bed Bath & Beyond store closed in September 2024 after a nationwide downturn in specialty retailers. The 40‑year‑old building was acquired by the Planet Fitness franchisee, John Davis, who signed a 10‑year lease in late October. Davis said the decision to open in Auburn was driven by the town’s growing population, its proximity to Boston and its lack of a large “fun‑fit” gym. “Auburn residents have long relied on the nearby gyms in Boston or on the Cape. This new Planet Fitness will fill that gap,” he told the local newspaper.

The space, previously a retail storefront, has been reconfigured to house a wide‑open gym floor, a dedicated cardio and strength training area, an auxiliary “no‑judgement zone” locker room, and a small community lounge that includes a café and free Wi‑Fi. The building’s original high ceilings and central location on Main Street allow for a bright, airy atmosphere that Planet Fitness calls “the Gold Standard” of its gyms.

Features and Services

Like all Planet Fitness locations, the Auburn gym will be open 24/7, 365 days a year. The “Gym in a Box” concept emphasizes equipment that is user‑friendly, with clear, on‑screen instruction for each machine. The gym will also feature the brand’s signature “Mirror” cardio equipment—interactive screens that project real‑time metrics—and a new “Flex Zone” that offers body‑weight training and functional fitness stations. For the first year, local residents will receive a 30 % discount on membership fees, a promotion that the chain cites as part of its community outreach strategy.

The gym will also include an on‑site wellness concierge, free group fitness classes—including yoga, Pilates, and spin—weekly “Fit Friday” socials, and a “Family Day” monthly program that offers kids a safe, supervised workout environment.

Economic Impact

City officials say the new gym is poised to bring new jobs and increased foot traffic to downtown Auburn. “This is a big win for our community,” said Mayor Linda Porter during the October 29 city council meeting. “Not only will we create about 12 full‑time positions in the gym, but we’ll also see ancillary benefits for local businesses on Main Street.” The city council minutes, available on the city’s website, note that the new gym will increase commercial tax revenue by an estimated $120,000 annually.

Local business owner Marco Rossi, who runs a nearby coffee shop, welcomed the opening. “We’re already seeing more commuters stop by for a quick espresso before hitting the gym,” he said. “It’s a win‑win for us.”

Auburn’s Chamber of Commerce has issued a statement praising the expansion, adding that the new gym is part of a broader effort to attract young families and professionals to the town. “Planet Fitness is a staple for the modern fitness enthusiast. Having a location in Auburn will make the town even more appealing for those looking for convenient, affordable gym access,” the Chamber said.

Corporate Vision

Planet Fitness, founded in 1992, has grown into the largest independent fitness chain in the United States. Its corporate website notes that the brand’s “No Judgement Zone” philosophy aims to make fitness accessible to all, regardless of experience. The Auburn gym will carry this message forward, offering a welcoming environment for beginners as well as seasoned athletes.

According to the company’s CEO, Mike O’Connor, the expansion to Auburn is part of a broader strategy to increase market penetration in New England. “We’re excited to bring our unique gym experience to a town that’s been underserved in terms of fitness options,” O’Connor told a press release. “Our goal is to help residents live healthier, happier lives.”

What’s Next?

Construction on the gym is set to finish by mid‑November, with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony scheduled for November 18. The ceremony will feature a speech from Mayor Porter, a visit from O’Connor, and a live demonstration of the gym’s equipment by local fitness instructors.

Potential members can sign up early through the Planet Fitness app, which will unlock a free “Trial Membership” for the first 30 days. The gym will also host a “Grand Opening Weekend” from November 18‑19, featuring free fitness classes, a nutrition workshop, and a meet‑and‑greet with the gym’s personal trainers.

As the Auburn community looks forward to its new fitness hub, the planet‑wide brand’s “Gold Standard” promise of affordable, inclusive training is poised to become a cornerstone of local wellness for years to come.