GNC Supports Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
December 12, 2009
Here’s some good news from GNC to make you all warm and fuzzy! When the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s HB4Life (Healthy Behaviors for Life) Center officially opens, visitors will see a state-of-the-art fitness center for the hospital’s caregivers. But they will also see the ongoing contribution to the quality of life for the greater Pittsburgh community of one of Pittsburgh’s best-known companies, GNC through the GNC Live Well Foundation. The facility will be managed by the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh.
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Working in partnership with the Children’s Hospital and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, we are pleased to be able to help make this dream a reality,” said Joe Fortunato (left), CEO of General Nutrition Centers, Inc. “We share Children’s commitment to the health of our children. At the same time, the HB4Life Center supports Children’s caregivers in a tangible way that addresses the stress of caring for sick children. In doing so, this facility also provides a world-class facility to help attract and retain the very best team for this important Pittsburgh institution.”
The HB4Life Center offers workout areas for group and individual exercise, free weights, circuit training equipment, an evaluation room for fitness consultations, and locker/shower facilities for men and women. GNC has supported Children’s since 2004 through its corporate charitable arm, the GNC Live Well Foundation. Its anchor fundraising event is the GNC Charity Golf Outing, which is sponsored by GNC each fall.
“The new Children’s Hospital was designed as a healing environment that enhances the health and well-being not only of our patients, but our caregivers as well. When our employees are
healthy, they can focus their attention on helping our patients get better, and an on-site fitness center is a very important part of creating a healthy environment for them,” said Christopher A. Gessner (left), president, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. “We’re extremely grateful to the GNC Live Well Foundation for their ongoing support of Children’s Hospital and proud to have partnered with them in opening the HB4Life Center.”
Amplified Muscle Meal
December 9, 2009
So a friend gave me a sample pack of GNC’s Meal Replacement Powder (MRP) called “Amplified Muscle Meal” to try. Fortunately, it was chocolate because that’s usually my favorite flavor! It’s been a while since MRPs were popular and over the last few years, the top sellers have been EAS’s “Myoplex“, Labrada’s “Lean Body” and Champion Nutrition’s “Ultra Met“. Yes, Ultra Met is one of the top sellers in the independent channel! Nowadays, some companies have MRPs in their supplement portfolio, but most don’t. Okay, enough of the history lesson, let’s get back to GNC’s Amplified Muscle Meal…
Nutritional Profile
The two things I really like about this product are the 50 grams of protein and the 10 grams of fiber (that’s in just 1 serving!). However, it also has 3 grams of a blend of Betaine and HMB. Unfortunately, it doesn’t indicate how much HMB is present in the blend but many researchers recommend a dose of 3 grams of HMB per day. Amplified Muscle Meal contains all the vitamins and minerals your body needs plus a whack of Leucine (9 grams!) and 14 grams of Glutamine which are great anticatabolic amino acids.
Taste
The product mixes very well and has a thin consistency. The initial taste is good but there’s a bite to it afterwards. I’m not sure if it’s the 9 grams of Leucine or the 14 grams of Glutamine screaming through on this flavor but there’s definitely an aftertaste to it.
Price
Since “Pro Performance” is GNC’s own supplement company and they own the stores it’s sold in, it’s very hard for companies to compete against them. The GNC store clerks are VERY well trained on the Pro Performance supplement line and the packaging is also outstanding which makes it an easy sell! But the price is the real deal closer here folks. Pro Performance products are usually going to be lower than the leading brands. This lower price strategy allows the GNC clerks to have an easier time comparing their product next to the other more well advertised MRPs in the store and switching them over. This is just good business for GNC and the product is well formulated so it’s a good deal for the customer. Currently, with a GNC Gold Card you can buy Amplified Muscle Meal on GNC.com for $49.59 which is REALLY cheap for an MRP of this quality. That’s $2.28 per serving! Labrada’s Lean Body is selling on the same site for $55.99 and Myoplex for $47.99.
Bodybuilding.com Still King
November 2, 2009
By: Scott Welch BASc (Nutrition), CAAP (Advertising)
When it comes to buying supplements, there’s no better way to go than by buying online. The selection is amazing, the price is incredible and you don’t have to put up with busy malls or some store clerk pushing you to buy a product you don’t need! So who is THE top online supplement store? Well according to industry sources, the leader is Bodybuilding.com, with GNC.com and a not-so-well-known supplement pimp you may not have heard of before (but we’ll tell you who they are in a minute)! If you judge purely based on web traffic, you see some interesting results. Look closely at the web traffic estimates below for all 3 websites and you’ll see a unique picture being painted.
As you can see, Bodybuilding.com has had 1,250,010 unique visitors in the last year! That’s a ton of supplement users and this number is up by more than 17% from where they were at one year ago. In second place, we have an online player that you may not have even heard of. The website is Vitacost.com which had an impressive 1,149,937 unique visitors which is up by almost 48% from last year! In third place is GNC.com which had 1,067,873 which is up by almost 33% which is very impressive growth – especially when you consider the number of people they’re hitting. Now keep in mind folks, these web traffic results are estimates that the website www.Compete.com runs and only the people that actually own each of these websites would know the true numbers.
SCOTT WELCH CONTACT INFO:
genius@supplementgenius.com
http://www.Twitter.com/WelchScott
http://www.Facebook.com/Scott.Welch1
New GNC Store Design
September 30, 2009
GNC is unveiling a revolutionary new retail experience that will serve as the company’s prototype for the future. The store seeks to transform the brand into the premier health and wellness resource for the entire family. Consumers will experience an entirely new retail environment, including new product categories, a wider array of offerings and a new, modern design. Earlier this month, GNC opened the first concept store for this new retail environment in Pittsburgh, the company’s headquarter city, and plans to roll it out in other locations throughout the United States. GNC’s new 3,000 square-foot location, is a one-stop shopping experience for consumers seeking not only innovative, high-quality fitness and nutritional supplements, but also natural, alternative treatments for holistic wellness. The new store offers nearly triple the number of products available in today’s GNC stores, with 1,000 new items. It features a comprehensive portfolio of health, wellbeing and sports nutrition products - under GNC’s proprietary brands and other best brands in the category - as well as expanded product offerings in the categories of natural health and healing, probiotics, cleansing, proteins and health and beauty.
GNC’s new store is divided into 4 individual sections that showcase distinct product categories.
- The front space underscores GNC’s increased emphasis on healthy lifestyle management and provides customers with tools to address health, diet and overall wellbeing in a thoughtful, holistic manner. Consumers will find products focused on cleansing and detoxifying, weight management nutrition, fit and active accessories and women’s wellness, as well as new categories such as yoga, expanded proteins, meal replacements and portion control. This space also features GNC’s newest innovative line: GNC WELLbeING. Launched in May, it is the first and only comprehensive, one-source line of whole body health products created exclusively for fit and active women, targeting whole body nutrition, fitness nutrition and therapeutic body care.
- The second space is the store’s vitamin headquarters. Here, GNC offers a premier assortment of both preventative and condition-specific products for women, men, children — and even the family pet - that address heart health, mood, sleep, diabetes, digestion and more. Consumers will find not only core GNC brands but also a significantly enhanced offering of best in class brands, including Dr. Weil, Pomology and Natural Factors. This section also showcases new health and beauty offerings, including high-performance skincare products for cellulite, stretch marks and teeth whitening, and an enhanced array of natural health and healing products, such as herbals and homeopathic remedies.
- The back two rooms are designed for GNC’s avid fitness and sports enthusiasts, with greatly expanded product assortments that take the category beyond the body builder. One distinct space targets sports, fitness and hardcore diet consumers with proteins, thermogenics, fitness accessories, nutritional bars, endurance products and drinks.
- The other space is designed for the hardcore body building customer, with an assortment that includes niche designer formulated brands positioned to appeal uniquely to that consumer. The two fitness sections also carry a new assortment of accessories, including books, scales, and blood pressure monitors.
When Looking For The Best Results, Hire A Design Agency
GNC did just this by hiring retail design guru Peter Arnell and his firm Arnell to develop a retail design that spotlights GNC’s leadership position and expertise in the health, nutrition and fitness category, while engaging a wider variety of consumers, both core and new customers. The new configuration represents a more efficient use of wall and floor space to offer the customer a clearer vision and greater sight lines. The noticeably new contemporary retail environment provides an enhanced showcase for GNC’s product offerings while simplifying store navigation, making it easy for consumers to find specific products to meet their needs. Arnell has designed similar significant retail projects, including the RBK flagship store for Reebok, DKNY store-in-store retail boutiques, Jacob & Co. Jewelers’ flagship store in Manhattan and Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep showrooms.
SOURCE: NPI Center
GNC Wounded Warrior Golf Tournament
September 9, 2009
GNC is partnering with the Western Pennsylvania Committee of the Wounded Warrior Project to hold its fourth annual golf outing Monday, September 21, at the Diamond Run Golf Club in Sewickley, Pa. to raise public awareness and funding for severely wounded servicemen and women. GNC is committed to providing the highest quality nutrition products to support healthy lifestyles, especially for soldiers who have bravely served our country and continue the mission of helping others to live longer, happier, healthier lives. Customers can join GNC in supporting the Wounded Warrior Project. For a $350 donation, you can sponsor a “Warrior,” giving him or her an opportunity to enjoy a day on the golf course. Other sponsorships are available as well, and all proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
“With 110 GNC stores on military bases, service members have long been good customers,” said Tom Dowd, Executive Vice President at the company’s Pittsburgh headquarters. “But Living Well also means caring about the health and safety of others. No one embodies this as truly as our wounded servicemen and women, who sacrificed so much to preserve a high quality of life for people everywhere. That’s why we’re supporting the Wounded Warrior Project, and that’s why we’re asking our customers to join us!”
For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project and donations, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org. In 2008, GNC helped raise more than $80,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project programs and services.
SOURCE: PR NEWSWIRE
Jillian Michaels Launches QuickStart Rapid Weight Loss System
August 24, 2009
Jillian Michaels, New York Times bestselling author and coach from NBC’s The Biggest Loser, announces her first ever line of weight-control supplements in partnership with ThinCare International, LLC. The line launches today in GNC and will roll out in retailers nationwide over the next month. The flagship product of the new Jillian Michaels line is the QuickStart Rapid Weight Loss System offered at a special introductory price.
“I have always been an advocate of supplements for boosting metabolic function and supporting weight loss,” says Michaels, “but I could never find a product that was effective and made with natural ingredients. So I took matters into my own hands! My new QuickStart Rapid Weight Loss System is designed to help you overcome the two greatest obstacles to successful weight loss — appetite control and fat burning.”
“We are extremely happy to be working with Jillian Michaels,” says Gina Daines, spokesperson for ThinCare International, LLC. “Jillian is a true icon and this product line is the biggest thing to hit the diet shelves in years … Our partnership with ThinCare allows Empowered Media to further develop our ongoing strategy to expand the Jillian Michaels brand,” says Empowered Media CEO, Giancarlo Chersich. “We want to provide our customers with total life solutions and this partnership helps us round out our platform. Together, we have developed healthy and innovative natural products that will help consumers manage their weight-loss goals. Since the products are natural, they represent the kind of health and wellness lifestyle that Jillian always promotes. We are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”
Jillian Michaels’ products will be sold at GNC, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid, Target and most chain grocery stores.
SOURCE: PR Newswire
Caffeine, Capsaicin, Bioperine, and Niacin Do NOT Improve Strength or Endurance
July 14, 2009
A recent study funded by GNC set out to measure the effects of a thermogenic nutritional supplement containing caffeine, capsaicin, bioperine, and niacin on muscular strength and endurance performance. The supplement contained 200 mg caffeine, 33.34 mg capsaicin, 5 mg bioperine, and 20 mg niacin. Testing included a time-to-exhaustion (TTE) ride on a cycle ergometer at 80% of the previously-determined power output at VO2PEAK followed by 1-RM LP and BP tests.
Disappointing Results
At the end of the study, the researchers concluded that the supplement did not alter muscular strength or cycling endurance. The lack of increases in performance may have been related to the relatively small dose of caffeine, the high intensity of exercise, the untrained status of the participants, and/or the potential for caffeine and capsaicin to increase carbohydrate oxidation.
Final Words
Although the results didn’t turn out in support of this supplement stack, at least GNC is funding research which is something 95% of the supplement companies in the industry are NOT willing to do. It also shows you just how focussed GNC is with putting out products backed by science which is something that should be applauded.
SOURCE: JISSN
GNC Hires New Senior VP of Merchandising
July 2, 2009
General Nutrition Centers announced the appointment of Robert Kral as Senior Vice President of Merchandising. In that position, he will report directly to Beth Kaplan, President and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer.Kral is a 27-year veteran of Walgreens, the nation’s largest drug store chain, where he rose from store pharmacist through store manager, district manager and operations vice president positions to head, as Senior Vice President of Purchasing, merchandising and marketing initiatives for the $59 billion company. He left Walgreens in 2007 to become an entrepreneur and consultant.
“Bob is a great retailer with a demonstrated track record in both operations and merchandising,” said Kaplan. “He has extensive category experience in nutritional supplements. As a former member of Walgreens’ strategic planning committee, he also has a strong understanding of strategic decision making at a major specialty retailer. At the same time, Bob’s 12 years of experience in operations give him a clear understanding of what drives sales at the store level as well.”
“GNC’s smart merchandising, science-based product development and very strong store base allow it to dominate the supplements retailing segment,” Kral said. “But there is clearly more room to grow, and I am very excited to be part of the GNC team that will make that happen.”
J.C. Romero Sues GNC, Vitamin Shoppe and others!
April 28, 2009
Phillies reliever J.C. Romero is suing the makers and distributors of supplements he says are responsible for his positive steroid test! The 27-page lawsuit, filed Monday in the Superior Court of New Jersey, blames the product 6-OXO Extreme for traces of androstenedione found in the pitcher’s urine. The numerous counts in the lawsuit include negligence, intentional misrepresentation, and consumer fraud. The four defendants named are GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Ergopharm, and Proviant Technologies. We’ve written about this product and its ability to cause positive drug tests for some time. Click HERE to read more about this story.
SOURCE: Inside Bodybuilding
GNC Launches WELLbeING
April 14, 2009
GNC Launches Whole Body Health Products Exclusively for Fit and Active Women under the brand name ’GNC WELLbeING‘. It’s the first and only comprehensive, one-source line of whole body health products created exclusively for fit and active women. GNC WELLbeING debuts in GNC stores nationwide in early spring 2009. The GNC WELLbeING line targets:
- Whole Body Nutrition: these products are formulated to address total wellness and offer proactive health solutions from the inside out. They address women’s top health concerns, including strong bones, healthy hearts, stress reduction, increased flexibility, stronger immunity and better digestion.
Fitness Nutrition: these products maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of any exercise program by burning more calories and enhancing energy. They also aid in weight management with products designed to increase satiety and build lean muscle.- Therapeutic Body Care: these products help relieve stress after an intense workout or long day. The complete line offers more than 25 complex and robust products, including pleasanttasting vitamins, delicious healthy shakes, thirst quenching vitamin-infused water mixes, and nutritious energy/protein bars.
Additionally, therapeutic bath soaks, containing salts from the Dead Sea, alleviate sore muscles due to post workout stress and aid in deep relaxation for a more restful sleep.
“As a line that has been designed exclusively for women, addressing their specific, unique needs, GNC WELLbeING is truly a first of its kind,” said Beth Kaplan, President, GNC. “Today’s active women juggle family, career and personal responsibilities, and GNC WELLbeING was created to help them not only attain balance in their lives, but to thrive. GNC Wellbeing can be customized into a regimen that addresses each woman’s personal wellness goals and unique health needs. We believe focusing on personal wellness is a smart investment in one’s future and long-term health.”
According to GNC, the WELLbeING products were developed by scientists, health professionals and wellness experts under the strictest quality requirements. Most of the products in the line have gone through additional rigorous clinical trials and are backed with substantiated and proven clams. GNC WELLbeING products are not only the highest quality, backed by clinical trials and claims; they are distinctive in their look, feel and variety of offerings. The line features two exclusive, one source solutions for health and fitness: “be-WHOLESOME,” GNC’s first complete Vitapak program that combines ingredients for health and beauty formulas in one convenient pack, and “be-HOT,” GNC’s first and only exercise-enhancing Turbopak that maximizes the benefits of a workout. Products are distinctively designed with women in mind: its supplements in caplets, softgels and capsules are designed to be smaller and easier-to-swallow, while also featuring pleasant flavors and beautiful colors, along with coordinated and colorful packaging.
SOURCE: PR Newswire