Simplicity International Acquired By John Schopfer

By: Destination Club News
Date: August 2, 2006

After approximately a year out of the destination club industry, Simplicity International has been acquired by John Schopfer, one of the club's early executives.

Formerly the club's President and COO, Schopfer states that a large resort development "snapped up" the club last summer, just months after its public launch. After the club was acquired by this resort development, Simplicity International was abandoned and the club was suspended. Schopfer is now "extremely pleased to acquire Simplicity when the opportunity presented itself this time around!"

The young destination club had previously marketed unlimited annual usage for members and had reportedly recruited double digit members to their small upstart club prior to their first acquisition.

While the club appears to be back in control of one of its original executives, it seems that under Schopfer, Simplicity International will still follow the plans of the resort development and not pursue the destination club component, particularly with Tanner & Haley's bankruptcy still shaking the industry.

Branded as the "improved" Simplicity and under the tagline "The Simple Life of Leisure," Simplicity International's goal is to "develop select properties and services that offer a personalized and exclusive experience of quality, comfort and style, set in an atmosphere of casual elegance."

According to the club's press information, Simplicity is a "real estate development company pursuing resort, vacation, second-home and leisure lifestyle products for high-end consumers." While it seems that Simplicity is moving away from the destination club sector, it does sound like the door may still be open for a return to the industry if they wish.

Check back frequently to see if Simplicity International does return to their destination club roots. As evidenced by the recent Tanner & Haley bankruptcy, joining a destination club is a decision that should be closely evaluated. If you are considering destination club membership, request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide to learn more about the benefits and risks of joining and a list of suggested due diligence questions that you should ask any club you are considering.