LA Weight Loss - Are the Franchise LAWL Closing NOW??

I am in Memphis, TN....

Went to my COD last Thursday only to find a note on the door saying
"We are now closed on Thursdays"...That is my usual weigh-in days.

I talked with my counselor today and she said that sales were really slow and they got a memo from their corporate telling them to close on Thursdays to "save payroll", but to tell the clients that it was due to being understaffed.

There is also a note up saying "limit 2 boxes of bars per week from your bulk". That has never been posted before.

My store was a franchise, the owner had them for about 8 years. He went bankrupt last fall. The corporate offices (LA Weight Loss Franchise Companies) took these centers back over because they did not want to leave the Memphis market thinking they could re-sell them.

This has me worried as it is about time for me to buy more time on program.

They only thing I have noticed is they are running more commercials now than ever....so do you think that is a good sign they are not closing? I can tell the staff is nervous.

Anyone else's centers now closing on Thursdays????

After posting this message, I googled about LA Weight Loss Centers Closing. This is what I found...What do you guys think????

"As a current employee of LA Weight Loss Franchise Company, I feel it is my duty to warn consumers that you absolutely DO NOT want to waste your money because the company will be CLOSING it DOORS!! As of Friday, we were told, like the employees of Pure Weight Loss, that the company is having financial trouble and will be restructuring. I was one of the lucky ones who did not yet lose their job. They have closed many franchises and will continue to close them. If Harold Kartz (the owner) shuts down, then the franchise owners will have no support or supplies to offer their clients. You do the math. it is so sad that I have worked for this company for 6 years, to see how things have transpired makes me sick. Due to the lack of empathy that this company shows its employees and clients, I cannot continue to be part of it and will be submitting my resignation tomorrow. I just wanted everyone to beware before spending your money on their program. This company is CLOSING its doors soon."

I think the increase in commercials, shows that the company is trying to bring in more business (because they want or need to make more money). My guess is that even if LA had been doing ok prior to the Pure Weight Loss bankruptcy, the Pure Weight Loss closings shook customer confidence in LA as well. The number of new customers probably declined sharply, and even many current customers may have "jumped ship" out of fear.

Can LAWL survive the bad press from PWL's collapse? That depends, but I'm guessing it will be very difficult, because of the strong association the companies had in the general public's minds (primarily because of the name change coming so recently before the bankruptcy/closings).

Yikes, I had ordered my remaining bars last week and will be picking them up TODAY!

OMG this will make me so mad. I signed up for 2 years just this last January!!

Ok...

A couple of things to consider.. Just because one franchise has started cutting hours and the availability of product, doesn't mean they are all doomed...

Rita, while that post you copied from another site looks really bad, do we have any way of knowing who that person really is? It could be that they are a disgruntled LAWL employee or even just a client who didn't have a good experience and is trying to cause trouble.. The fact is we don't know..

My franchise centers closed and it started the same way.. reduced hours, lots of ads on TV and radio...

My advice is to speak to a counselor you trust and see what they know.. HOWEVER.. My counselors here had NO clue the place was shutting down in New Mexico until the day before when they were told they were being let go.

Just trying to avoid a panic here....

The Portland area TV stations are being saturated with LAWL ads, and I imagine they are not cheap. I am home during the day (work at night) and see tons of ads. Last week the special changed and this week it changed again. They were advertising the Control Trim trial program for 6 weeks and this week it switched to "lose all the weight you want" for $199.

Like Dan said, I would not panic but be a smart consumer. I would not invest a whole lot of money in a long term plan or pay ahead to purchase a lot of products. Just me, but I want to make sure I get a return on my investment.

Roberta

Talked to my center today. They are closing, she said it was not public knowledge. She said by April they would be gone. My particular center is managed by LAWL Franchise Companies---That is the parent company of LA Weight Loss, but seperate from PURE Weight Loss.

I am going to demand all my bars. I can't believe they are still running ads!!!

I think the ads are a last ditch effort to survive. It isn't uncommon for a dying company to spend tons of money on advertising hoping that it will bring in enough new business to save their behinds from the fire. It would be one thing for a company that sells tangible products like shoes, because people would see the ad, pay their money AND get their shoes in the same transaction. However companies that sell services, particularly long-term contract services like diet centers, health clubs, gyms... It just doesn't seem right that they can take your money, promising you years of service up 'til the very day they close the doors.

I spoke with the Assistant Manager at my center---they never replaced the Center Manager after she left in November.....HHhhhmmm....

She said that the franchise company is really hurting by all the bad press, and the closure of the 400 centers earlier this year. She said it costs them much more to manufacture products because they are not selling the volume like before. She said because the franchise company gets 6% of their sales, if there sales decline so does the parent company.

She said they cant sell any new franchises because of so much bad press and so they cant grow revenue.

Her boss told her yesterday that there would be no more parent company for LAWL and most of the centers would go independent or rebrand to somehing like Diet Center, Physicians Weight Loss, Results Weight Loss, Slim4Life, etc..
or close all together.

Anyone that is "bulked" get your bars this week!!!

I "graduated" from LAWL, but I feel so badly for all of you who are on the program! It's just amazing that such a great program can be going down the tubes because of such bad management. I encourage everyone to follow the program on their own if need be-it really does work and you will feel so awesome when you reach goal and be able to maintain it! This really is about a lifestyle change....

Wow.. That really sucks Rita.. Thanks for sharing the info.. I would encourage other members to start asking around and to start hoarding lites!

Another suggestion for those that will have to, or want to do the program on their own. If you feel you need the accountability of weekly weigh-ins, or would benefit from group support, I can strongly recommend TOPS (taking off pounds sensibly). It's a non-profit organization with weekly meetings, and members can follow any food plan they wish to (the endorsed plan in the optional manual - you can usually borrow it before deciding if you want to buy it - is an exchange based diet that should be very compatible with the LAWL program).

TOPS is $24 per year for national dues ($36 for couples) and includes a monthly magazine. Local dues are generally under $5 per month. My husband and I joined in August, and our monthly dues are $3 per month each. Each group is run independently and determined by membership voting. So if you don't like how one group is run, you might want to try another meeting in your area if there is one, or become active in the group and campaign for changes. Our group charges 10 cent per pound fine weekly for gains. If the total gains for the week are larger than the total losses (what we call a group gain) then the next week the fines are doubled. We also do double fines the meeting after a holiday. At roll call we say whether we've lost, gained or maintained (but not how much unless we want to) and slip our fine money into a little basket we pass. The person who loses the most that week takes that money home. If you're biggest loser two weeks in a row, you get a little $5 door prize and you buy the next door prize (and the club reimburses you the $5). If you lose 10 lbs, or lose 3 weeks during a month, you get to choose either free monthly dues or order a charm or pin.

TOPS also sponsors retreats, recognition days, conferences... Attendance is always optional, so how much you want to participate in really is up to you.

So for those of us who have the LAWL information and want to stick with that program, if our centers close, we could join TOPS and not have to invest a lot of money and follow the LAWL program? I need someone weighing me in once a week. Silly, I know, I am an adult, but I need to do that for accountability.

Would that work?

shshshhh,

Yes, exactly. About half of our current members are former Weight Watcher's and still use the point system. I'm restricting carbs, but count calories and exchanges for portion control (Even on a low carb plan, I can easily overeat if I don't control amount in some way), and I couldn't really tell you what the rest of the group does, because they haven't discussed it. So you don't even have to tell the group which plan you're following. The group does require a goal weight slip from your doctor, but many groups are really lenient about when it's required. For example, our group is really lax. You have to have it before you can declare that you've reached goal. I had my doctor write mine right away because I wanted it "on-record" for motivation.

It was really interesting, because when my doctor asked what I thought a good goal weight would be for me, I suggested 200 lbs. He asked me to rethink it, and I said, well I'd like to get there before I decided to try and go lower, and he said he meant the other direction (he didn't want me to be discouraged if I couldn't reach goal). So my official TOPS goal is 250 lbs. That seems like a lot, but it isn't written in stone, I can have the doctor write a new goal slip at any time.

In TOPS, once you reach goal, you're considered a KOPS (Keeping off pounds sensibly). KOPS members have to weigh in once a month, I believe to be eligible for contests, prizes and such. Many groups do not charge KOPS monthly dues as long as they're weighing in once a month and are within leeway (I think it's 5 lbs in either direction, unless your doctors slip says otherwise). I've been in groups that even paid national dues for KOPS members.

Needing accountability isn't anything to be ashamed of. Even studies of people in work environments show that most people work harder and accomplish more if they are directly supervised or otherwise have to make an accounting of their time, work, or progress in some way. Left to their own devices with no outside feedback, people naturally tend to slack off a bit.

Truly self-motivated people are actually quite rare. We're social critters, and there's nothing wrong with using that to our advantage. It's definitely true for me. The minute I decide that "I can do this on my own," is the minute I start to fail. Because without the weekly weigh-ins, and looking someone in the eye when I say that I maintained or gained, I tend to "just this once" myself into eating carelessly.

The social aspect is a lot more powerful than I would have expected. The games seemed a little "lame" at first, but I've really gotten into them. Last meeting, the leader handed out "Chapter Merit Certificates" for 2007, and I won 1st place in division 1 (my "weight" class) for the women, and my husband won second place in division 1 for the men. It's funny, but I'm really proud of that slip of paper.

Our biggest loser for our chapter for 2007 is a man who has lost 50 lbs. He's going to a recognition event in April for our state to receive an award, and his name will appear in the monthly newsletter. He also said how he never expected to be so excited about the "fuss" being made.

I've been asked to run for co-leader of our group, and I think I'm going to do it. I think it will be a powerful motivation for me to do well, because I'd hate to be the leader of a weight loss group and lose the least amount of weight. Does it sound silly? Sort of, I guess. But, it's better to work with my silly mind than against it, right?

We're planning a "dirty sneaker" contest in a few weeks. Basically, it's an honor contest. Everyone who wants to participate will contribute $1.00 (once at the beginning of the contest). Then each week, for every day you exercised at least 20 minutes, you get to sign a slip of paper with a sneaker sticker on it, and put it into a can. After 6 or 8 weeks, they draw from the can, and the winner gets the start-up money. If all of the "regulars" participate like they did last year, the winner will take home about $15.

All these little games and prizes and such seemed a little dorky to me when I started. I thought "I'm here for the weigh-in, and that's all," but it's become more than that. I've made some very good friends, just like here on this site. And "we're in this together," really does help me. Also, since our chapter also competes, at least indirectly, with all of the other chapters, I want to lose weight not only for me, but for my chapter.

It's not like there's any pressure to lose weight FOR the chapter, but it's kind of cool when you get recognition at an event or through a letter to the chapter, because your chapter met a state-wide or nation-wide weight loss goal. For example, for this year, either state or nation-wide (I forget which) we've been given a group goal of a 10 lbs loss for each member (who still has 10 lbs or more to lose before reaching goal). There's no money or prize attached (other than our chapter maybe recognized by name at an event or in the newsletter), but it would be cool if our chapter makes it, and I'd feel bad if I was the only person who prevented our chapter from making it.

Another thing about TOPS, that I wanted to mention. I've been a member of a couple different TOPS groups in the past. And while I did very, very well in one group (losing over 60 lbs), when I had to move away for a job, I didn't find a group I liked in my new area. My excuse was that the groups in my new area had no members my age.

This time, the group I'm in, also has very few members under 50. At 42, I'm nearly the youngest woman in the group. And my poor husband only has one other guy in the group to "bond" with. This has turned out to be a bigger barrier in my mind that in reality. I guess it really hit home, when someone in the group noticed and commented that one of the oldest women in the group had her ears "double piereced" and we were kidding her that she was so "hip" she should get a tattoo. It made me realize that there were a lot of women there who's "inner age" was the same as mine (in other words, maturity level of a 12 year old).

Well I think you should run for Co-Leader of your group. Your reply to me was very inspirational and informative. I just checked on the meetings and there is actually one less than 1 mile from where I live. Great to know that you can follow any program that works for you, and I would stay on the LAWL.

Great response - I printed it and put it on my fridge.

Thanks so much
Roberta

Thanks Roberta, that's very nice to hear. I have decided to run, and next Monday is voting, so I'll let you know if I won the election.

I have to say that I'm a super fan of the organization. It really is in most communities, but so many people don't think of it, or even know it exists, because it's a non-profit group and there is no national advertising (some groups put ads in their local papers occasionally). After losing more money than weight on pay-for-service plans (which worked, but I which I usually abandoned out of necessity when finances got tight), I'm really excited about TOPS.

Just called the COD where I went to tell them I wanted to come by today and get the rest of my bars. Had "ordered" them last week and although I said I was going the other day to the get them, life got in the way. Anyway, their "New Spring Hours" are M-W-F from 9-7....they were a 6 day per week operation. No one there I would trust for a honest answer but certainly sounds to me as if closure is just around the corner.

I would recommend getting them now. My center is all out of stuff and everyone is scrambling. I am sure the recession is not helping them, but the bad press has been even worse. I would get my bars---and also ask them for the stabilization and maintenance books. If they lock their doors, you will have no tools or resources to help you keep your weight off.

All this is so interesting and I am grateful for getting the information from members of this board although I really feel for the folks who have recently signed up and paid for weeks and product if their centers are closing. I am outraged that they can really get away with selling more KNOWING that they will be closing. The employees of those centers are victims too because they are caught in the same web of lies and are conducting business totally unaware of the hypocracy they are involved in. (OK - finished venting)

I am ending this post with telling you that last week when I went to my COD, I was offered an application for employment. HUH?????

Roberta

KATY--in North Carolina!!!

Your weight loss results are AWESOME!!!! Wow! You have done awesom with your 70+ pounds.

KUDOS to YOU!!!!

Rita in Memphis

Think about it...Spring is when everyone want to lose weight...vacations, spring break, to be active....what sense would it make to reduce your hours for spring?? Christmas time, I could see them doing that, because no one diets during the holidays--but spring??

Thanks Rita! My losses have certainly slowed but I guess that it is to be expected as I get closer to my goal.

By the way, I haven't heard from the COD yet about picking up my bars. I will probably drop by this pm and get what I can.

All this is so interesting and I am grateful for getting the information from members of this board although I really feel for the folks who have recently signed up and paid for weeks and product if their centers are closing. I am outraged that they can really get away with selling more KNOWING that they will be closing. The employees of those centers are victims too because they are caught in the same web of lies and are conducting business totally unaware of the hypocracy they are involved in. (OK - finished venting)

I am ending this post with telling you that last week when I went to my COD, I was offered an application for employment. HUH?????

Roberta

This very exact devious behavior is why the Attorney General of PA has filed suit against PURE Weight Loss Centers.

Kelly

I am glad that the State Attorney General of some states have stepped up and filed lawsuits against the comanies/centers that are operating fraudulently. We work very hard for our money and to throw it away on something that we are so desperately needing is outrageous.

My COD today has not changed its hours but are having a huge sale on some of the products. I can't use them but noticed the sign. They also moved the large bookcases with the clients files from the front room behind the desk to a side room where they keep the products. Another change is that the key scanner where we used to use our keychain membership card to scan in is gone. There is now a sign in sheet and the counsellors were learning a new system on the computer. The center manager said they were having to "all go to the same system" so they had to abandon the one they had been using.

Roberta

My LAWL here in East TN is franchise-owned and just got a new partner who infused a bunch of money into the franchise. I think they own 5 or 6 locations here locally. Supposedly the extra money will help them maintain better stock levels, etc. However, I too noticed the only take 2 boxes per week sign. I'd say the run on Lites after the PURE locations closing scare has corporate scrambling to manage inventory. My location is moving to a brand new facility within the month. Everyone seems very upbeat and positive. I can only hope that they will stay on their feet as I just convinced two girls at work to sign up during the big Leap Year special. And, I still have stabilization and maintenance to get through - that I've already paid for.

It is so sad to see a good program like this suffering so badly. But I was one of the ones who did not add weeks as I was unsure with all the Pure stuff going on if the other centers would stay open. So I do my own thing but I come here for the support and because I've made friends here. I hate to see people being put in such a hard place.

Kaplods - I was a leader of TOPS before and the only reason I stopped going was when I moved (and had to rescind my leadership role) I could not go due to work conflicts. However, that has changed and I am planning on re-joining a group here likely in April or May. I hope you get your position you are after - it is tons of fun (and work - but fun work!!).

Heather--

Watch out about that "moving to a new facility" comment...Have you actually seen the site and verified that they have started remodeling it? There are many websites where ripped off consumers said LAWL used that line, shut down the center and then told them they would have to drive
45+ miles away to the closest center to retain their membership.

I hate to sound "overly negative", but I have researched this company since this has happened it my community.

I'm so sad! I think Rita and I go to the same center. *sigh* I just called and asked hours, and they told me that starting next week they'll be closed on Tuesdays AND Thursdays.

When I asked if they are closing, she stumbled and said, "Well, I really have no idea. I don't THINK we are."

How depressing. I really have just gotten back into this, and have paid for 81 weeks! I guess when I next go in I'll have to start asking for things ... like my remaining bars, meal plans from here on out, my journals, etc.

What a bummer!

Complete opposite happening here in Des Moines. I went in last Friday to WI and they have extended their hours. They used to be closed from 1-3 for lunch and now they are working through those hours.

My center is always really busy too. There are always at least 2 clients in the waiting room and they have 4 or 5 counselors on staff at all times.

Today I went in to my COD and they were having "Blowout Inventory Sale" because they are overstocked at their warehouse...yet they have no products on the shelves...want us to pre-pay for things? Does this seem right to you ladies??? I heard something went on similar like this before PURE closed.

Rita

Sounds suspicious to me, especially since it sounds so familiar, doesn't it?

Since I mentioned it in this thread, just wanted to say that I was voted in as co-leader of my TOPS group. And as a side note, and quite a surprise, hubby was voted treasurer (it's a funny story, but I won't go into it here, I'll open a thread in general chatter).

Congratulations about the TOPS election. Great victory.

Looking forward to reading about the other election in your family. :)

Roberta

I am urging everyone---If you have not gone and picked up your Bulk, go to your centers this week. See the attached video about the company. It specifically addresses the "New Spring Hours" as being a part of the closure of La Weight Loss. Rita

abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6022919

I do know that LAWL has been sued a few times by some unhappy customers however I agree, just because some franchaises are closing doesn't mean the entire chain is.
For instance it is rather successful in Vancouver--my friends just joined their local one in Burnaby (just outside of Vancouver)...

I do know that LAWL has been sued a few times by some unhappy customers however I agree, just because some franchaises are closing doesn't mean the entire chain is.
For instance it is rather successful in Vancouver--my friends just joined their local one in Burnaby (just outside of Vancouver)...

i am in Ontario and it seems to be fine here too, but you never know when it will hit the North! I hope not, i have til January left on my program. But i am not doing bars, so i don't have to worry about product. Although they still push th bars on me each week.

I live in Germantown TN and know that the centers are not closing. I have called them and the corporate office and have been assured that they are not going anywhere. Besides has everyone seen all the Television Ads? My mom and sister are going to the Germantown LA weightloss center.

I know you all have a large investment in this program and your concerns are only natural. If anyone has questions, please contact your local center. Anything else is just speculation :)