Gymshark Now Open In Dubai: Our Chat With Founder Ben Francis

In the world of fitness and athleisure, few brands have made as significant an impact as Gymshark.

What started as a small venture in a UK garage has become a global powerhouse in performance apparel, worn by millions of fitness enthusiasts worldwide. At the helm of this extraordinary journey is Ben Francis, the visionary entrepreneur who founded Gymshark at just 19 years old. In this exclusive interview, JDEED sits down with Ben to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of Gymshark, and what the future holds for the brand.

JDEED: Ben, you started Gymshark when you were just 19 years old. Can you take us back to that time and what inspired you to pursue a fitness brand while juggling university and your side job at the time?

Ben Francis (BF): Before Gymshark, I had started about seven different businesses, most of them related to fitness. However, none of them sold a product—they were more like social networks, forums, or apps, and they all failed. I wanted to stay within fitness, particularly bodybuilding, which I loved, but I also wanted to create and sell a tangible product. Initially, there was no grand ambition to make it big; the first goal was simply to sell one product, then another, and so on. That’s how the business organically evolved.

That’s amazing. What was the first product you designed?

BF: Interestingly, the first product we sold wasn’t apparel—it was a supplement, a weight gainer called USN Hyperbolic Mass. We made a small profit, but I quickly realized that the margins were too tight to build a sustainable business. That led us to pivot to apparel, starting with a simple black Gymshark T-shirt, followed by stringer vests and hoodies.

Gymshark started in your garage and has since grown into a global leader in the fitness industry. What do you think are the key factors behind its success?

BF: One of the biggest factors is our community. We were one of the first brands to really leverage social media and influencer marketing. Many of the brands before us were high-street or store-based, but we grew up on social media and engaged with fitness influencers from the start.

Another key factor is our laser focus on our niche. If you look at our branding, we emphasize that "We do gym." We aren’t trying to be a general athleisure brand—we are entirely focused on making the best gym wear possible. That focus, combined with strong product quality and community engagement, has really helped us grow.

Gymshark is known for its inclusive and innovative culture. How do you maintain that culture as the company expands?

BF: It all starts with the belief that the gym should be for everyone. Going to the gym for the first time can be intimidating, and I remember that feeling well. As Gymshark has grown, we’ve made inclusivity a priority, ensuring that people of all backgrounds and body types feel welcomed.

One example is the work of Leana, who has been on our team for a few years. She designed an outstanding collection that really speaks to her community, and it’s crucial for us to involve people who understand different consumer needs rather than just assuming we know everything.

Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your entrepreneurial career?

BF: My biggest inspiration is my granddad. He ran his own small business and took massive risks to start it. Hearing about those risks as a kid gave me the confidence to take my own when I started Gymshark.

Gymshark is renowned for its innovative use of social media. How did you first identify social media as a key strategy, and how do you continue to innovate in that space?

BF: We didn’t initially see it as a strategy—it was just natural. We were the first generation to grow up on social media, watching YouTube instead of TV, learning gym movements online, and using social media to educate ourselves. That’s why it felt organic to build Gymshark on those same platforms.

Even today, social media remains incredibly powerful. While it has evolved, our approach is still about authenticity and community engagement. Interestingly, while most brands started with physical stores and then went online, Gymshark did the opposite—we built an online brand first and are now expanding into physical retail.

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Speaking of which, you’re opening a Gymshark store in Dubai. How does it feel to open a store in the city, and what does the Middle Eastern market represent for the brand?

BF: It feels amazing! Opening a store in the Dubai Mall is beyond what I ever imagined. I’ve been coming here for years as a tourist, and I remember being blown away by the size and scale of the mall. It’s one of the most iconic retail destinations in the world, so having a Gymshark presence here aligns perfectly with our ambition to be a globally iconic brand that stands the test of time.

That’s incredible. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, Ben. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you!

BF: Thank you! I really appreciate it.

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More on Gymshark.com and on Instagram, here.