Priority development : International
Countries/Regions already covered : International

GNC sets the standard in the health and nutrition industry by demanding truth in labeling, ingredient safety and product potency, all while remaining on the cutting edge of nutritional science. As our company has grown over the years, so has our commitment. In fact, General Nutrition Centers is the world's largest company of its kind devoted exclusively to helping its customers improve their quality of life.

Cost & Fees for : International
Franchise Fee :
Personnal investment : $65,000
Total investment : $132,000 - $182,000
Royalty fee :

In 1935, David Shakarian realized his dream by establishing a little health food store called Lackzoom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Shakarian's first storefront was located at 418 Wood Street in downtown Pittsburgh. Lackzoom specialized in yogurt, a food that his father helped introduce in the United States, but also sold other healthy foods such as honey, grains and "healthy sandwiches." Even though "health food" was thought to be a passing fad back then, people embraced Shakarian's store. And, although his first day's receipts were only $35, he was able to go on to make enough money to open a second location six months later.

Disaster struck with the 1936 St. Patrick's Day flood which wiped out both of Shakarian's stores but he reopened both locations and went on to own six Pittsburgh area stores within five years. The '60s decade saw many changes and people began to embrace the concept of natural foods and better nutrition. Shakarian met the demand by opening stores in other states. In this process, he also changed the name of the store to General Nutrition Center.

As the store count continued to grow, GNC began producing its own vitamin and mineral supplements as well as foods, beverages and cosmetics. By the early '80s, the number of GNC locations had grown to more than 1,000.

Although we lost our founder in 1984, GNC has steadfastly continued to expand upon David Shakarian's dream. General Nutrition Centers, Inc. still has Pittsburgh roots and our world headquarters is located just two blocks from the original Lackzoom storefront.

As the largest nationwide specialty retailer of vitamin, mineral, herbal and sports nutrition supplements, GNC operates more than 5,000 retail outlets throughout the United States including more than 1,300 domestic franchise locations, more than 1,100 store-within-a-store locations under its strategic alliance with Rite Aid and more than 830 locations in more than 40 foreign markets including Canada and Mexico.

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 business.

Start-up Assistance
Real Estate. Site selection assistance.
Construction. Computer-aided drafting and store design; sourcing of high-quality, low-cost fixtures.
Worldwide Order System.Web-enabled inventory management and logistics operating system
Opening Support
Grand Opening. Support personnel to assist in store set-up.
Training. Comprehensive three-phase training program, including in-store and classroom training.
Field Support. A field representative works with you throughout the opening of your first store location.

Continuing Support

GNC franchise operators capitalize on the company's resources to deepen their own market penetration and retain valuable customers. You'll receive unparalleled, expert guidance in developing your operations.


Accessible Resources. Business specialists in our corporate headquaters and the international office can be reached through the company's franchisee-exclusive intranet system; other resources include regular in-store field consultations.
Training. Regularly updated, comprehensive operations manual; quarterly provision of product, sales and customer-service training materials.
Communications. Franchise operator meetings with GNC management throughout the world; franchise-elected International Advisory Council with regional representatives; company-subsidized annual franchise convention; regular distribution of GNC franchise publications.
Electronic Communications. Access to unique electronic support information system designed exclusively for GNC franchisees. 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. Local marketing, advertising and promotion materials.

Franchising with GNC

When you franchise with GNC, our name becomes your name. And our reputation becomes your's 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.
Built a 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 70-year history.

International

GNC Franchising Inc
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300 Sixth Avenue - PA 15222 - Pittsburgh - United States