GNC--General Nutrition Center Franchise
GNC is the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, wellness products, and cosmetics from numerous brands including GNC-exclusive product lines.
$130,000
$40,000
2,305
1987
Pittsburgh,PA
Kenneth A. Martindale
About GNC--General Nutrition Center
GNC is a specialty retailer of vitamins, nutritional supplements, sports products, cosmetics, and other health and wellness items. Stores carry GNC's proprietary line of products as well as several other brands of supplements, natural remedies, herbs, and miscellaneous health-care products. Customers can find a variety of natural cosmetics and self-care products for skin, hair, and home use. Protein bars, meal replacements, energy drinks, and healthy snacks are available at GNC as well. Today, there are over 4,800 GNC retail locations. This number includes franchises, company-owned stores, and "store-within-a-store" operations inside some Rite Aid locations. GNC prides itself on being the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional products.
General Nutrition Corporation, the franchisor, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Nutrition Centers, Inc. However, General Nutrition Centers, Inc. falls under its parent company, GNC Holdings, Inc. GNC Holdings, Inc. is a publicly traded company.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
2,305
94
$537,026
* in 2023
Franchise Fees
$40,000
6.0%
Gross Sales
3.0%
Gross Sales
Why Choose GNC--General Nutrition Center?
GNC has been a well-known name in the health and fitness industry for several decades. Entrepreneurs may have some freedom to choose which products to offer, such as sports performance supplements, health foods, and cosmetics. Franchisees may find unique opportunities, such as converting a company-owned location to a franchise. Area Development Agreements may also be available for franchisees who wish to open two or more stores within a specific geographic region. A high level of brand awareness and GNC's exclusive line of products may contribute to a successful franchise.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$188,187 - $467,983
-
$130,000
Training & Support
GNC offers three phases of training. This schedule includes one week of training at a designated GNC store and another week of classroom courses at the GNC headquarters. During the initial opening week of a new franchise, GNC provides a field representative to assist the franchisee. Additional training and support may be available to franchisees after opening.
History
GNC started as Lackzoom, a health food store that specialized in yogurt. David Shakarian opened the first Lackzoom store in 1935 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Along with yogurt, David's store also sold grains and honey. Within six months, David opened a second location, but in 1936, both stores were destroyed in the St. Patrick's Day flood. However, David continued to believe in his Lackzoom stores, and he reopened the original two locations. Within five years, he owned six stores in the Pittsburgh area.
In the 1960s, David sought to meet the growing demand for nutritional supplements and healthy, natural foods by opening more locations in several other states. It was during this time frame that the brand name changed to General Nutrition Centers.
Along with expanding operations to include more stores throughout the United States, GNC also began to develop and manufacture its own products, including vitamins, cosmetics, foods, and beverages. By 1990, there were over 1,000 GNC locations.
The current franchisor is General Nutrition Corporation, which has granted GNC franchises since 2008. The corporation's predecessor was GNC Franchising, LLC, which granted franchises from 2003 through 2008. Prior to that, GNC franchises were granted by GNC Franchising, Inc. which was incorporated in 1987 and merged with GNC Franchising, LLC in 2003.
Ideal Candidate
Ideal candidates must meet specific financial requirements, including a minimum of $150,000 in liquid assets. Additionally, franchisees should be willing to learn about and abide by relevant FDA requirements and similar state regulations. GNC encourages franchisees to participate in daily store operations (though it's not a requirement). Ideal candidates are those who wish to personally supervise store operations or who can hire a responsible manager to do so.
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