When 7 Action News showed up at Anytime Fitness on Clarkston Road in Clarkston today, the place was empty and the door was locked.
Customers tell us they were told the place was undergoing a quick renovation. Turns out, owner Rusty Peterson was actually clearing the place out for good.
“He took equipment home in his truck too,” said a neighboring business employee.
All day, customers, one after another showed up planning to use the facility they paid for, only to be greeted with a sign announcing the closure.
“It’s frustrating,” said one customer.
Signage says customers can use their membership at other Anytime locations miles away. But not everyone wants to.
“This location is a lot closer for people who live right here,” said one.
Another agreeing, saying, “It’s not fair, cause you work out where its close, cause its convenient. If it is not convenient, you don’t work out.”
Countless customers told us they were told the same story - the place was under renovation.
We reached out to Anytime Fitness’ corporate office.They told us Peterson didn’t renew his contract with them and customers paying monthly can cancel their memberships by calling ABC Financial at 1-888-827-9262.
Those who paid in full must contact the owner, Peterson to get their money back.
But that’s easier said than done. We spent all day trying to call Peterson and he would not answer. We had an associate of his call the same number and she got through immediately. He was told we were attempting to talk with him, but he continued to ignore our phone calls.
Late today, corporate contacted Action News stating that Peterson will answer all customer calls and refund any money in dispute.
They also previously provided his phone number for customers to contact him: 810-730-3652.
