#33
At a Glance
Products & Services: Vitamin & nutrition store
Number of Locations: 5,368
Total Investment: $160.15K - 274.35K
Founded: 1935
Began Franchising: 1988
Public Owned GNC
About GNC Franchising
In 1935, David Shakarian started a health-food store in Pittsburgh called Lackzoom. It specialized in yogurt (which his father had helped introduce to the U.S.), but also carried health-food products such as honey and grains. Beginning with $35 in receipts his first day, Shakarian expanded to six Pittsburgh-area stores in five years.As more people became interested in natural foods and better nutrition, Shakarian opened stores in other states and changed the company's name to General Nutrition Centers (GNC). GNC also began producing its own vitamin and mineral supplements, foods, drinks and cosmetics. They started franchising in 1988. With company and franchised stores throughout the U.S. and worldwide, GNC now focuses on vitamins and nutritional supplements.
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 912 | 2 | 1,495 | 2,959 |
| 2010 | 892 | 2 | 1,389 | 2,832 |
| 2009 | 936 | 2 | 1,224 | 2,625 |
| 2008 | 978 | 4 | 1,133 | 2,770 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $160,150 - $274,350
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $150,000
Liquid Cash Available: $85,000 - $100,000
Operations
39% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 1 week. At franchisee's location: 1 week. At corporate store : 1 week.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: National media, Regional advertising,
Other marketing support: Local marketing system
Franchise Ranking History
Fastest-Growing: #97 (2012),