General Nutrition Center – GNC

General Nutrition Center, better known as GNC, is a well-established retailer specializing in health and wellness products. The company began in 1935 as a single health food store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over the decades, GNC steadily grew from its local roots into a recognized brand with a broad retail presence. One notable milestone in its history came in 1999, when GNC partnered with Rite Aid to launch store-within-store locations, significantly expanding its reach and making its products more accessible to a wider audience.

As of November 2025, GNC operates approximately 2,300 stores across the United States and maintains an international footprint in more than 50 countries. The brand’s retail formats range from traditional mall and strip center stores to smaller footprint locations and franchised outlets, allowing GNC to adapt to a variety of shopping environments and consumer preferences. In recent years, the company has focused on optimizing its existing stores while selectively expanding into high-traffic urban and suburban markets. GNC continues to invest in modernizing its stores and growing its international franchise network, with particular emphasis on markets such as Canada, Mexico, China, India, and the Middle East where demand for health and wellness products remains strong.

Ownership of GNC shifted in 2020, when Harbin Pharmaceutical Group acquired the company following a period of financial restructuring. This transition provided GNC with greater stability and resources to pursue strategic investments in product innovation and store experience. Over the past five years, GNC has evolved by enhancing its omnichannel capabilities, offering products both in-store and online, and by refining its retail concepts to serve a diverse customer base seeking personalized health solutions.

GNC’s scale, flexible store formats, and ongoing commitment to store modernization position it as a credible and adaptable tenant for a variety of retail settings. Its selective growth strategy and established reputation in the health and wellness sector make GNC a consistent presence in both established and emerging markets.