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General Nutrition CentersLive Well. |
Business Type
FranchiseMin Liquid Capital
$65,000Total Investment
$132,700 to $182,000Required Net Worth
$100,000Number of Units
5,813In Business Since
1935* For Current Info See:
Franchise Disclosure Document
Overview
GNC is the world's leading specialty retailer of vitamins and nutritional
supplements, satisfying the public's accelerating demand for healthcare
products.
Rising costs and a growing emphasis on prevention have convinced increasing numbers of consumers to take charge of their health. This self-care explosion has spawned a lucrative $21.3 billion nutritional supplement industry - and GNC leads the way.
GNC is committed to providing the assistance you need to tap into your share of this growing market. Our name alone can win you a following of loyal customers who count on GNC to provide the products and information they need to live a healthy lifestyle.
GNC has been recognized repeatedly for its commitment to quality franchising. In fact, Entrepreneur ranked GNC the industry's #1 retail franchise 18 years in a row.
Rising costs and a growing emphasis on prevention have convinced increasing numbers of consumers to take charge of their health. This self-care explosion has spawned a lucrative $21.3 billion nutritional supplement industry - and GNC leads the way.
GNC is committed to providing the assistance you need to tap into your share of this growing market. Our name alone can win you a following of loyal customers who count on GNC to provide the products and information they need to live a healthy lifestyle.
GNC has been recognized repeatedly for its commitment to quality franchising. In fact, Entrepreneur ranked GNC the industry's #1 retail franchise 18 years in a row.
Products & Services
GNC is the world's largest
specialty retailer devoted solely to manufacturing and selling vitamins
and nutritional supplements. We have more than 5,000 company-owned and franchised
retail stores located in all 50 states and more than 41 foreign markets.
GNC's exceptional growth and success rates can be traced back to one man's dream. In 1935, David Shakarian opened a little health food store in Pittsburgh, PA., called Lackzoom, which specialized in healthy foods like yogurt, honey, grains and "health sandwiches."
His idea quickly caught on. With a half-dozen Pittsburgh stores operating by the 1960s, Shakarian decided to open locations in other states and changed the company name to General Nutrition Centers. Soon after, GNC began producing its own vitamin and mineral supplements.
Today, GNC maintains its commitment to quality by rigorously testing and producing cutting-edge products at one of the biggest, most modern vitamin and supplement manufacturing facilities in the United States.
GNC's exceptional growth and success rates can be traced back to one man's dream. In 1935, David Shakarian opened a little health food store in Pittsburgh, PA., called Lackzoom, which specialized in healthy foods like yogurt, honey, grains and "health sandwiches."
His idea quickly caught on. With a half-dozen Pittsburgh stores operating by the 1960s, Shakarian decided to open locations in other states and changed the company name to General Nutrition Centers. Soon after, GNC began producing its own vitamin and mineral supplements.
Today, GNC maintains its commitment to quality by rigorously testing and producing cutting-edge products at one of the biggest, most modern vitamin and supplement manufacturing facilities in the United States.
Training & Support
Opening Support
As the industry's global leader, GNC is committed to providing the start-up assistance and support services you need to operate a thriving franchise.
Start-up Assistance
Opening Support
Even after your GNC becomes established, you can continue to count on us for the ongoing business support you need to grow your market share in your particular location.
Continuing Support
GNC franchise operators capitalize on the company's resources to deepen their own market penetration and retain valuable customers. You'll enjoy the benefits of being an entrepreneur while receiving unparalleled, expert guidance in developing your operation.
As the industry's global leader, GNC is committed to providing the start-up assistance and support services you need to operate a thriving franchise.
Start-up Assistance
- Financial. Direct financing and low down payment.
- Real Estate. Site selection assistance and lease negotiation. Construction. Computer-aided drafting and store design and sourcing of high-quality, low-cost fixtures.
- Point-of-Sale Cash Register System. Inventory tracking, sales records, reordering and day-to-day accounting assistance.
Opening Support
- Grand Opening. Partial company match on your grand-opening investment for new stores.
- Training. Comprehensive three-phase training program, including in-store and classroom training.
- Field Support. A field representative works with you in your store throughout your opening week.
Even after your GNC becomes established, you can continue to count on us for the ongoing business support you need to grow your market share in your particular location.
Continuing Support
GNC franchise operators capitalize on the company's resources to deepen their own market penetration and retain valuable customers. You'll enjoy the benefits of being an entrepreneur while receiving unparalleled, expert guidance in developing your operation.
- Accessible Resources. Business specialists in our five Franchise Support Centers can be reached through the company's franchisee-exclusive intranet system and/or toll-free telephone lines. GNC also provides regular in-store field consultations.
- Training. GNC franchisees receive regularly updated comprehensive operations, product, sales and customer-service training materials. GNC University. GNC has partnered with the University of Florida to provide online classes in nutrition, sports and endurance.
- Communications. GNC holds annual meetings with Franchise Operators throughout the country, meets with representatives of a franchisee-elected National Advisory Council, holds a company-subsidized annual franchise convention and regularly distributes franchise publications.
- Electronic Communications. Franchisees access a unique electronic support information system designed exclusively for them. This intranet offers online access to breaking corporate news, operations information, wholesale promotions, product information, camera-ready local marketing ads that can be customized and printed, and online communication with GNC franchise-support personnel.
- Marketing. Franchisees benefit from multi-million dollar national advertising and public relations campaigns, local marketing materials and programs that help franchisees build their business.
- Discount Business Programs. Among the discount programs GNC offers franchisees are business insurance, unemployment tax consultation, health insurance, retirement plans, long-distance and communications services, business and office supplies, and General Nutrition Financial Services.
Why General Nutrition Centers?
Make the most of
your future with a GNC franchise!
When you franchise a GNC, our name becomes your name. And our reputation becomes yours as well.
Since 1935, GNC has been building a global reputation as the largest specialty retailer of high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements, sports-nutrition and herbal products. Our expertise, experience and innovative approach to health management distinguish GNC throughout the world.
As a GNC franchise operator, you are strategically positioned to reap the benefits of GNC's established brand name, loyal customer following and proven business practices. Plus, GNC:
Most of all, the GNC franchise opportunity offers you the knowledge and skills we've acquired throughout our 72-year history.
- Tap your share of the booming dietary supplement and self-help market.
- Cash in on our global brand presence.
- Take advantage of 70 years of retail experience.
- Join the industry's #1 retail franchise-17 years running (according to Entrepreneur Magazine).
- Become a part of a proven operating system.
- Receive turnkey store opening and ongoing support.
- GNC operates more than 5,000 retail outlets throughout the United States and 38 foreign markets including Canada and Mexico.
When you franchise a GNC, our name becomes your name. And our reputation becomes yours as well.
Since 1935, GNC has been building a global reputation as the largest specialty retailer of high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements, sports-nutrition and herbal products. Our expertise, experience and innovative approach to health management distinguish GNC throughout the world.
As a GNC franchise operator, you are strategically positioned to reap the benefits of GNC's established brand name, loyal customer following and proven business practices. Plus, GNC:
- Maintains a contemporary retail format that offers growth into new product categories.
- Ensures quality service, provided by well-trained, knowledgeable personnel.
- Has established a solid reputation among consumers as a credible source of self-care information.
Most of all, the GNC franchise opportunity offers you the knowledge and skills we've acquired throughout our 72-year history.
Are You a Good Fit for General Nutrition Centers?
For a new store, you will need approximately $132,681 to $182,031.
The major portion of your investment breaks down as follows:
The major portion of your investment breaks down as follows:
- Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000 - $40,000
- Equipment: $5,400
- Signage: $4,000 - $5,600
- Fixtures: $20,000 - $47,000
- Other Construction Costs: $10,000 - $20,000
- Opening Inventory: $46,500
- Initial Promotional Materials: $0 - $1,250