Employees react following closures of Massage Envy locations in Palm Desert, La Quinta

Both employees and customers were surprised to learn of the closure of Massage Envy locations in Palm Desert and La Quinta earlier this week.

The two Massage Envy locations were the only ones in the valley. The closest ones are in Temecula and Murrieta.

Employees tell News Channel Three that management gave them less than 24 hours notice before the closure on Monday.

Signs were posted on the doors announcing the closures and emails were sent to customers by the franchise owner.

Neither Massage Envy's corporate office or the franchise owner responded to requests for comment. However, in statements released by the corporate office, Massage Envy assured customers that they can still use any credits or hours saved at any Massage Envy franchise location.

"Unfortunately, the owner of the Palm Desert Massage Envy franchised location unexpectedly made the decision to close the location. We have confirmed with the franchise owner that as of the date of this communication, there will be no monthly membership/Wellness Agreement charges while the location remains closed. You can continue to enjoy your member benefits at any of the more than 1,000 Massage Envy franchised location nationwide. We will update you regarding your membership as soon as we receive information concerning the status of the Palm Desert franchised location, including whether the location will be reopened by a new independent business owner."

Massage Envy

They also left the door open for new ownership to take over the Palm Desert and La Quinta locations, though reports of a new owner have not been confirmed by Massage Envy.