當(dāng)健身俱樂部都面臨經(jīng)營困境時(shí),動(dòng)感單車健身俱樂部 SoulCycle 卻風(fēng)靡全美。據(jù)《福布斯》報(bào)道,它的會(huì)員忠誠度超高,很多人達(dá)到上癮的程度。和單調(diào)昏暗的傳統(tǒng)健身俱樂部不同,SoulCycle的一切看上去都精致漂亮,富有吸引力。該俱樂部的賣點(diǎn)不僅在于為人們提供健身場所,更在于通過良好的氣氛為顧客創(chuàng)造積極心情。
測試中可能遇到的詞匯和知識:
IPO 首次公開募股
prospectus 內(nèi)容介紹
meditative 冥想的
gratify 使?jié)M意
affinity 密切關(guān)系
Would you pay $34 to ride a stationary bike against a backdrop of throbbing dance music in a room full of candles for 40 minutes(and that is before paying to rent the customised cycling shoes)?That is a basic description of SoulCycle,the exercise phenomenon that has gripped the Manhattan jet set. SoulCycle filed its IPO prospectus on Thursday revealing a business that generated $112m of revenue in 2014.
But that $34 does not just burn a few hundred calories — it comes with an emotional therapy session,which may just be a bargain(and is certainly far cheaper than lying on a psychiatrist's sofa for an hour). The pitch the exercise studio chain makes is that it is bringing “soul to the people” with instructors who “guide riders through an inspirational,meditative fitness experience”.
Providing such an experience happens to be financially gratifying too. SoulCycle boasts operating margins of 35 per cent. Not unlike financial services,it seems talent matters as riders develop an affinity for particular instructors. And staff costs are its single largest expense,running at Wall Street-like 45 per cent of class revenue.
As it turns out,the psychic benefits of exercise are not just for the well-heeled. A discount gym chain,Planet Fitness,is soon to price its own IPO. It emphasises a “judgment-free zone” without “gymtimidation”. A prospering world demands physical and emotional wellbeing. Clever entrepreneurs have figured out they can be offered in the same venue — at a healthy profit.
1.How much revenue did the SoulCycle generate in 2014?
A.$112bn
B.$12m
C.$112m
D.$11bn
[1] 答案
2.Which of the following is not mentioned as offered by SoulCycle?
A.Energy drinks
B.Stationary bikes
C.Candles
D.Background music
[2] 答案
3.Which of the following is SoulCycle's single largest expense ?
A.Facility maintenance
B.Electric power
C.Staff costs
D.Propaganda costs
[3] 答案
4.Which of the following companies is mentioned to be soon to price its own IPO?
A.24 Hour Fitness
B.California Fitness
C.LA Fitness
D.Planet Fitness
[4] 答案
[1]答案:C.$112m
解釋:文章第一段提到SoulCycle在2014年的收入是$112m。
[2]答案:A.Energy drinks
解釋:文章第一段提到在SoulCycle運(yùn)動(dòng)時(shí)顧客可在點(diǎn)滿蠟燭的室內(nèi)伴著富有節(jié)奏感的背景音樂蹬腳踏車,全文沒有指出該健身房提供運(yùn)動(dòng)飲料。
[3]答案:C.Staff costs
解釋:文章第三段提到SoulCycle最大的支出是人事費(fèi)用。
[4]答案:D.Planet Fitness
解釋:文章最后一段提到Planet Fitness即將進(jìn)行首次公開募股。