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Posted on Sat, May 11, 2013 : 5:58 a.m.

Massage Envy Spa opens on Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor

By Lizzy Alfs

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Jonathan Schwartz and his brother Michael pose for a photo in the lobby of Massage Envy Spa on Thursday, May 9, 2013.

Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com

A national massage and spa chain opened its doors Thursday in the Traver Village Shopping Center on Ann Arbor’s Plymouth Road.

Franchisees Jonathan and Michael Schwartz opened Massage Envy Spa at 2611 Plymouth Road, in the space vacated by Tree Town Toys and Rider’s Hobby. First Martin Corporation owns Traver Village.

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Massage Envy Spa at 2611 Plymouth Road Ann Arbor.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Based in Arizona, the massage chain operates about 880 locations in 47 states. There are four other locations in the Metro Detroit area.

The Schwartz brothers — who grew up in Birmingham, Mich. and both attended the University of Michigan — called Massage Envy a “perfect fit” for the Ann Arbor area. Jonathan owns two Massage Envy locations in Florida.

“Ever since I opened (in Florida) I thought Ann Arbor was a perfect fit and it just took us five years to make it happen,” Jonathan said.

Michael added: “Geographically, we love the convenience (of Traver Village). You can have a massage and go get a cup of tea or coffee at Espresso Royale. You can get a message and go do your grocery shopping (at Kroger).

The 4,600-square-foot space in Traver Village is separated into 14 rooms and a front desk and retail area. The studio offers customized massages and facials using Murad skincare products, along with enhanced therapies like a sugar foot scrub, aromatherapy and deep muscle therapy.

An introductory one-hour massage costs $49, and an introductory facial is $59. Massage Envy’s wellness program costs $59 per month and includes one service, with a $10 charge for a facial. A one-hour massage for a non-member is $78. (See more on pricing)

“We’re taking massage out of this pre-conceived notion that it’s only for special occasions or the well-off who can afford it, and bringing it to everybody and making people realize it can be part of your monthly wellness regime,” Jonathan said.

Massage Envy Traver Village hired about 15 employees, and is still accepting applications. (Apply online) Massage Envy offers an online training portal and continuing education options for its employees.

Jonathan and Michael said they would like to open a second location in another Ann Arbor neighborhood.

Massage Envy’s hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.

Comments

Gloriagirl

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 9 p.m.

I hope this franchise is better that the Livonia one. I got a gift certificate for a facial and the woman did not much more than push their products Terrible experience !

Diane

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 5:26 p.m.

I prefer to support the small Michigan business person and not a large franchise company. I have been going to In the Clouds Massage for over a year and enjoy the professionalism and personal care there.

Nicholas Urfe

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 4:06 p.m.

Do they have that treatment where the little fish chew the dead skin off your feet? I've really been wanting to try that for my bunions and corns.

Cara

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 3:22 p.m.

Weird that Massage Envy opens up within a stones throw, and within a few months span of another massage place, Lavida Massage. I personally would prefer Lavida. They are a Michigan company started in Commerce Township. They give you more of a personal experience. Whereas Massage envy, you can tell they are a big corporation. Pure Michigan! I give this feedback because I have recently been to both, as well as 2 other smaller spas for massages.

Cara

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.

no ron burgundy, if you are who you say you are, if you took a moment to read why i say i prefer one over the other, i believe many locals could agree. i support Michigan companies. I dp research on where my money is going.

oyxclean

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.

I will be going to Lavida as it is a MI business. And no, I don't own it nor do I know the owners.

Ron Burgandy

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.

Cara, let me guess.....you own, or someone you know owns Lavida?

Dog Guy

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 3:02 p.m.

An Envy shop joins the many local vendors of Pride, Greed, Lust, Gluttony, and Sloth, but Rage still is free from the Larcom Building..

Homeland Conspiracy

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 2:26 p.m.

I bet I know what "A comment that violated AnnArbor.com's conversation guidelines was removed." said

Paul

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 6:24 p.m.

I don't know what it said..go to Toronto if you want a massage ? LOL

A2comments

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 10:49 a.m.

I'd love to get a message and then shop at Kroger...

Matt Lang

Sat, May 11, 2013 : 11:53 a.m.

I'd love to get a massage and then get a message