Q&A: Does GNC Franchise in the UK?

Lily Sweeney, writer

Published at 17/02/2022, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

Q&A: Does GNC Franchise in the UK? — Photo © Q_A-Does-GNC-Franchise-in-the-UK.jpg

Interested in all things health and wellness? Why not consider starting your own vitamins franchise with a company like GNC? Running a GNC business is a highly profitable option in an expanding sector of industry, and as a franchisee, you’ll benefit from extensive franchisor knowledge and support. Keep reading, and discover everything you need to know about a potential franchise investment with GNC.

Around 1 in 6 UK adults have low levels of Vitamin D in their blood - especially during those sun-scarce winter months [The National Diet and Nutrition Survey]. Many people can benefit from vitamins and supplements, boosting their wellness and feeling better in themselves. As the owner of a GNC vitamin retail franchise, you could be a huge part of providing people with these benefits - and profiting as a result.

Does GNC franchise in the UK?

If GNC vitamins sound like your cup of tea, you’ll be thrilled to hear that yes, GNC does franchise in the UK. The growing company is based in the USA, but retail-focused franchise investment opportunities in this popular sub-sector of the thriving healthy food industry are available worldwide. If you think you would be suited to a career representing and selling for GNC, the brand would be delighted to hear from you.

Come and join the winning team. We have been the industry standard of health and wellness solutions since 1935, partnering with our franchise operators to help them achieve their dreams since 1988. For over two decades, Entrepreneur magazine has consistently ranked us the #1 vitamin retail franchise. It is a storied history and we are just getting started. - GNC

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The history of GNC

The first GNC supplements were sold all the way back in 1935, when store number one was opened by GNC’s Founder, David Shakarian. David ended day one having made just $35 (around £25), but as GNC puts it, “he never stopped striving to achieve his goal, and soon, an empire was born”. David worked very hard to anticipate and meet consumer demands, working at the forefront of the nutrition industry, and in time, GNC grew substantially.

In 1988, the company started franchising, and for over 30 years, this franchise model has been proven, honed and perfected. Today, if you decide to make a career change with a retail franchise and start your own GNC branch, you’ll benefit massively from an incredibly comprehensive franchise package, inclusive of globally-renowned training and support. Why not inspire people to live well every working day in collaboration with the brand that’s been doing exactly that for 87 years?

As people began to embrace the concept of good nutrition, the company grew, and GNC became the leader of the industry. Today, GNC's headquarters resides just two blocks from David's original Pittsburgh store, and our eyes remain focused on his dream of creating a well world. - GNC

Start a franchise in the vitamin shop sector with a GNC franchise

If everything you’ve learned so far about what you’d get up to (and how you’d be supported) running a GNC franchise has left you ever more keen to invest, keep reading. The three questions answered below will equip you with all the knowledge and information you need to make a fully informed investment with GNC and start your own successful retail franchise selling vitamins...

1. What skills do you need to start your own GNC vitamin shop franchise?

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To find out more about running a GNC franchise, or to register your interest with the brand, you can visit GNC’s dedicated franchising website. Note, before you do, that though you won’t necessarily need previous experience in the wellness sector or with retailing vitamins specifically, GNC supplement shop owners should be:

Equipped with plenty of business acumen
Financially secure
Driven and self-motivated
Willing to become a master franchisee
Ready to provide a meaningful omni-channel experience to customers
Ready to invest in growing the brand, marketing and developing GNC in their territory

2. How much does it cost to start a franchise?

In order to become a GNC franchisee, you’ll need to cover franchise fees of around £30,000, with a total investment cost between £130,000 and £255,000. For more specific information about the associated fees, your best bet is reaching out to GNC directly. To give you a better idea of where the brand stands in the wider market, the average cost of starting a franchise was £42,200 in 2018 (for a single unit) [British Franchise Association]. Here are a few other retail franchise investments and their associated costs, to compare:

Signorini Tartufi - In order to become a Signorini Tartufi franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £30,000, with franchise fees of £15,000 and a total investment cost of £90,000.
Cash Converters - In order to become a Cash Converters franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £39,000, with a total investment cost of £100,000.
Zip Yard - In order to become a Zip Yard franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £38,500, with franchise fees of £15,000.

3. What do you get in return for investing in a health shop franchise?

Having made your investment with the supplement shop franchise, you’ll gain access to a comprehensive, fully-proven franchise package. As a franchisee, you will directly benefit from seven decades worth of retail and brand power, receiving a vast range of expert support including start-up assistance, financing guidance, operational advice, in-store training, development opportunities and continual help with any issue that arises.

GNC franchise opportunities are a great way to start running your own business

You should now know everything you need to in order to make a successful and informed franchise investment with GNC. If you’re still on the fence about your decision, stay on Point Franchise. There are many different types of franchise opportunities out there waiting for you in the retail space alone, and it’s important to choose the retail franchise that’s truly right for you. From wine and spirits retailer CAVAVIN to blinds specialist Apollo Blinds, make sure you explore all of your amazing options.