GNC LiveWell, is the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional products; including vitamin, mineral, herbal and other specialty supplements and sports nutrition, diet and energy products. In 2008, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® - the most comprehensive ranking of franchises in the world, chose GNC as the world’s #1 franchise in its industry category, vitamins, for the 18th year in a row.
Franchising with GNC
Since 1935, GNC has been building a global reputation as the largest specialty retailer of nutritional products including high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal, sports nutrition, diet and energy products. Our expertise, experience and innovative approach to health management distinguish GNC throughout the world.
Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® - the most comprehensive ranking of franchises in the world – has continually named GNC Franchising to its elite list of first rate franchising opportunities. In 2008, the magazine chose GNC as the world’s #1 franchise in its industry category, vitamins, for the 18th year in a row.
This achievement is due in part to GNC’s comprehensive Franchise Support Program. GNC Franchise Operators have exclusive access to GNC’s superior quality brands, comprehensive training programs and marketing tools. Coupled with our operational expertise of over 70 years, this support system has enabled us to rise to the top.
As a GNC specialty retailer franchise operator, you are strategically positioned to reap the benefits of GNC's established brand name, loyal customer following and proven business practices. Most importantly, the GNC franchise opportunity offers you the knowledge and skills we’ve acquired throughout our 73 year history.
Is a GNC Franchise Right For You?
With a firm belief that our people are fundamental to our success, we place great importance on recruiting the right people to join our team – people who share our values and vision. We are looking for ambitious and energetic people to join our franchise. Our most successful people have a passion for the wellness industry, a commitment to outstanding customer service, sound management skills and strong communication and leadership skills.
Franchise Support with GNC
As the industry's global leader, GNC is committed to providing the start-up assistance and ongoing support services you need to operate a thriving franchise.
• Pre-opening Support. Maintaining the GNC brand name requires high standards of presentation which begins with the design and construction of a store that conforms to GNC standards. GNC plays an active role with new store fit outs, sourcing quality fixtures and fittings, signage and merchandising that conform to GNC standards and meet the GNC image.
• Opening Support. Our support team assists with advertising, promotions, to ensure maximum exposure and inventory selection to ensure the store is well presented. Field support throughout the opening week combined with an extensive three phase training program also contributes to maximizing the success of your grand opening.
• Continuing Support. GNC franchise operators capitalize on the company's resources to deepen their own market penetration and retain valuable customers. Resources include field support, operations manuals, regularly updated training, benchmarking reports, national advertising campaigns, local marketing materials and an accessible support centre. You'll enjoy the benefits of being an entrepreneur while receiving unparalleled, expert guidance in developing your operation.
Your Steps to Operating a GNC Franchise
We realize that investing in a GNC Franchise is a big commitment. As such we have developed easy steps to ensure that the process of giving you the opportunity to become a GNC Franchise Operator is clearly defined.
Step 1: Get Acquainted.
After carefully reviewing all of the information pertaining to GNC Franchising, submit a Confidential Get-Acquainted Form which asks for information relating to your background, qualifications and interests.
Step 2: Apply for a GNC Franchise.
Once we receive and process your Confidential Get-Acquainted Form, we will send you a detailed Franchise Application Form. This application form will need to be completed in full and by all parties who are applying for the franchise opportunity. Once completed, this form will need to be sent to the GNC Support Centre together with a deposit of $5,000. If successful in your application, this payment will go towards the costs incurred in preparing your Franchise Agreements. The $5,000 cheque is fully refundable and will be returned to you in full should you decide at any time to withdraw your application or should GNC deem you unsuitable for this venture.
Step 3: Telephone Interview.
Once we have reviewed and assessed your Franchise Application Form, we will contact you to arrange a convenient time for a telephone interview. This interview is an opportunity for you to discuss your suitability as a GNC Franchise Operator and ask questions, both important to the progression of your application.
Step 4: First Meeting.
Following the successful completion of the telephone interview, we will schedule a time for you to visit us for an informal meeting. During this meeting you will receive a comprehensive introduction to GNC as well as a detailed overview of our franchising opportunity. This meeting is an opportunity for both parties to review the completed Franchise Application Form.
Step 5: GNC Franchise Kit
Following the first meeting, the GNC Franchise Recruitment Team will make an assessment of your suitability to join GNC. If you are successful and wish to pursue the business opportunity we will contact you to present the GNC Franchise Information Kit, including a Disclosure Document, Blank Franchise Agreement and a copy of the Franchising Code of Conduct accompanied by various other confidential information you need. You will be asked to sign an Acknowledgement of Receipt Form once they have been provided to you.
Step 6: Evaluate Your Personal Commitment.
The next and possibly most important step is to take what you have learned and evaluate your own personal commitment to operating a GNC franchise. Examine your financial situation and business qualifications carefully. As per the Franchising Code of Conduct, you must seek independent business, financial and legal and advice prior to signing any documents and making full payment of the franchise fee.
Step 7: Further Meetings
After you have evaluated the franchise documents, you may have many important questions about the GNC Franchise operation. Returning for further interviews will provide you with the perfect opportunity to have these questions answered by our Franchise Recruitment Team. These questions may be about the Franchise documentation or about the GNC Franchise operation.
Step 8: In Store Evaluation
The in-store evaluation is an opportunity for you to spend a few hours working in a select GNC store. This component of the selection process gives you crucial experience and a deeper understanding of the operational side of GNC. After your visit, there will be a questionnaire that you will be required to complete about your time in-store.
Step 9: Final Meeting
Once you are 100% satisfied that this is the right opportunity for you, the final interview will take place with our General Manager. The final interview provides both the General Manager and you with the opportunity to learn more about each other and address any outstanding items. Final approval will be given at the end of this interview or within the following 48 hours.
Step 10: Finalize the Franchise Site.
Once you sign your agreement, our Real Estate Department will work with you to secure the right location. GNC must approve your final location.
Step 11: Business Plan
It is a requirement before you commence the training that you complete the GNC Business Plan template. This is designed to use as part of your training and as an ongoing tool to drive your business.
Step 12: Attend Training.
Prior to opening, your training will consist of one week in a corporate store near you and one week of classroom training in Melbourne.
Step 13: Set Up Your Store.
Next, you work with GNC to set up your store, including the point-of-sale cash register system, recruiting staff, inventory selection, merchandising and more to ensure a smooth store opening.
Step 14: Open for Business.
When all is in place, you're ready to open for business. A GNC field representative will work with you during the first week to ensure you have a successful start. We will also provide you with ongoing support from our field support team.
Get Started
Interested in more information about GNC franchising opportunities? Take the next step by submitting an enquiry or visiting our website