Page 9 - BWM Dec 2012

December 2012 | Business World Magazine | 9
The story of GNC is not only the
story of a highly successful and in-
novative retailer, it is the story of
one of the fastest-growing specialty retailing
segments in the world – health and wellness
products, including vitamins, minerals and
herbal supplements, sports nutrition and
diet products.
Founded nearly 80 years ago, GNC’s
dedication to healthy living has expanded its
reach in health and wellness retailing around
theworld. Froma humble beginning in 1935,
as a single store in downtown Pittsburgh,
to today’s more than 7,900 retail locations
throughout the U.S. and in 58 international
markets, GNC is truly the leader when it
comes to helping consumers Live Well.
Unlike many other retailing segments,
specialty nutritional supplements retailing
has grown substantially, year after year, over
the last ten years. There are several key fac-
tors behind that growth: first, an aging pop-
ulation, particularly with health-conscious
Baby Boomers; second, consumer concerns
about rising healthcare costs; third, broader
consumer awareness of health and wellness
issues in general as well as a desire among
consumers to live longer, healthier lives; and
fourth, an increasing focus on fitness among
consumers of all ages– particularly those