Derrimut Gym revokes 24/7 access after running sale promoting 24/7 access gym

Derrimut 24:7 Gym, an Australian gym chain that is marketed as offering round-the-clock access (with "24:7" in both its name and domain), suddenly announced reductions to operating hours February 2025. The change came with minimal advance notice and shortly after a major membership sale, raising concerns about potential bait-and-switch tactics.

Derrimut 24:7 Gym operates many gyms across Australia, with its core brand identity built around 24-hour access. Their marketing materials, website, & even company name emphasized this feature as a primary selling point.^[1]

One customer testimonial featured prominently on their website specifically highlighted the value of overnight staffing: "I love that this gym has staff even at 12 am. It makes it so safe and I don't stress about time at all now."^[2]

In late February 2025, Derrimut notified members that effective March 3, 2025, several gym locations would no longer operate 24/7. The new hours would be limited to 6am-10pm on weekdays and 8am-5pm on weekends.^[3]

This change was announced:

• Just 6 days before implementation
• Approximately 5 days after their "cheapest sale ever" ended
• Without offering automatic refunds or compensation for reduced service

Affected locations included multiple gyms across Adelaide, including Melrose Park, Port Adelaide, Seaford Meadows, Smithfield, Rundle Mall, and Welland, as well as locations in other states.^[4]

Following member backlash, Derrimut sent follow-up emails stating they would transition to key fob access systems within 2-4 weeks that would restore 24/7 access.^[5]

A comparison of Derrimut's website before and after this incident reveals the modifications:

• November 2024 (archived): Website advertised "24 / 7 Access" without qualifications^[8]
• February 2025 (current): Website now shows "24 / 7 Access *Selected Locations"^[1]

This qualifier was added only after the controversy occurred, and after the end of a sale that attracted many gymgoers based on the 24 hour policy.

The change hurts:

• Shift workers who relied on overnight access
• Early morning exercisers (before 6am)
• Late night gym-goers (after 10pm)
• Weekend users, especially on Sunday afternoons (closed at 5pm)

Many members reported having specifically chosen Derrimut over competitors due to the 24/7 access, with some having recently signed year-long contracts during the sale.

This incident is indicative of the broader trend of companies trying to change the terms of the sale, after the sale. They use:

1. Broadly-worded contract terms that contradict core advertised features
2. Quiet website modifications after controversy erupts
3. Post-purchase service alterations without proportionate refunds
4. Using the company's own financial challenges as justification for reducing service