GNC Opens Modern Apothecary-Esque Flagship
GNC opened a flagship store on Nov. 4 in the historic Terminal Strip District in its hometown of Pittsburgh. The store is part of GNC’s evolution into redesigned store layouts that offer an open-format shopping experience and continuity across its offerings, according to a media release.
The 2,455-square-foot location offers an elevated and interactive shopping experience designed to help customers easily navigate stores and find products GNC is best known for, including sports performance supplements, weight-loss solutions and an array of other wellness products.
The retailer also says the store design was inspired by an old-fashioned apothecary, but with a modern, GNC twist, featuring wooden displays and architecture.
Notably, through its open format, the flagship allows for ample product display with movable shelving, expansive counters for product sampling and available space to accommodate local events and partnerships.
"Our flagship store is a reflection of GNC's rich history and commitment to Pittsburgh," Nate Frazier, chief operating officer at GNC, said in the release.
Frazier added that this store is part of GNC's focus on creating a "cutting-edge omnichannel experience through a customer-centric lens" that help its customers "Live Well."
A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off opening celebrations at the store on Nov. 4. Through Nov. 5, in-store shoppers were gifted free product samples from GNC and third-party brands such as Prime, Alani Nu, Bucked Up, Cellucor and Optimum Nutrition.
The weekend event also included meet-and-greets with GNC's health and wellness coaches and a free yoga class sponsored by MECKA Fitness on Nov. 5.
The flagship is located at 1918 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh, near GNC’s headquarters. It is the 21st location in the greater Pittsburgh area, bringing GNC's U.S. storefronts to 2,313.