MULTIVITAMINS AS ‘BASIC INSURANCE’
GNC Philippines to open more stores, expand product range
After close to 30 years in the country, a leading nutrition and wellness brand is determined to expand its reach with more stores, trained staff, and a wider range of products.
“Wewant GNC to be bigger, better and stronger,” Cynthia Poa, group CEO and executive director of Singapore-based ONI Global Pte. Ltd., said.
ONI took over as sole franchisee of GNC (General Nutrition Centers) Philippines last July. It now also handles the Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan markets.
These four countries have a combined total of 4,000 stores, and there are plans to open more. “There are 40 stores here in the Philippines but we want to bring that number up to 100 in the next five years,” Poa said.
To prepare for this, she said they are in the process of training staff so they can speak and listen to customers, and recommend the appropriate supplements. “Many of the staff are pharmacy graduates or nutritionists,” Poa said.
GNC will also offer door to door delivery through its online marketplaces and logistics partners in the region.
A pioneer in the health and supplement industry, GNC is known for its range of “multis” —scientifically formulated, clinically studied lifestyle, gender and age-specific multivitamins. Its Mega Men and Women’s Ultra Mega variants contain up to 56 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs that provide gradual release of nutrients for maximum absorption.
Some believe that multivitamins are nonessential, that as long as they eat normally and exercise regularly they will be fine.
‘Basic insurance’
“Our multis are like ‘basic insurance’ if you miss out on certain vitamins,” Poa said. “Because of our hectic lifestyles, sometimes we don’t get to eat regular meals which can lead to deficiencies. The multis are there to fill those gaps.”
GNC carries a premium assortment of health, wellness and performance products for all members of the family. Its Triple Strength Fish Oil contains the highest potency of EPA and DHA. GNC fish oils and omega products undergo multiple purification processes to concentrate essential omega-3 fatty acids while removing unwanted contaminants such as mercury, PCBs, dioxins, lead and cadmium.
GNC’s proprietary line of probiotics is one of the most comprehensive and superior in the market. Ultra Probiotic 25 has 16 unique strains, including clinically studied probiotics, for digestive and immune support.
GNC carries a wide range of weight management supplements from fat burners and meal replacements to appetite control. The GNC Burn 60 has a clinically proven thermogenic formula that helps to enhance metabolism, burn calories and boost energy levels. It works best with a healthy diet and exercise program.
Other targeted products available include GNC Women’s Hair, Skin and Nails Formula; antiaging StemC derived from the placenta of thoroughbred horses; pre-workout, endurance, muscle boosting and post-workout recovery products; and GNC Milestones for children of all ages to help ensure healthy growth and development.