PITTSBURGH, Jan 08, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- GNC, the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional products, today announced a new relationship with NutriSystem, Inc. GNC recently began offering the NutriSystem program in 160 of its Philadelphia- and New York City-area markets and in other select GNC locations. And in certain Philadelphia-area GNC stores, customers can now purchase the four-week NutriSystem Nourish program and walk away with a free one-week supply of NutriSystem meals, and other special offerings only available at GNC. This is the first time the NutriSystem program has ever been offered by any retailer.
NutriSystem Nourish is an approach to weight loss that allows clients to choose a customized plan of portion-controlled, lower Glycemic Index prepared meals delivered directly to their homes. The program has no membership fees and provides free online and telephone counseling. GNC store associates and NutriSystem counselors will offer each customer personalized attention and guidance with product selection and adherence to the NutriSystem Nourish program. Customers who order NutriSystem through GNC will receive a free GNC Gold Card membership, a two-week supply of Mega Men(R) or Women's Ultra Mega(R) multivitamins and a 50 percent off discount on select GNC brand products that complement the NutriSystem weight loss program.
Joe Fortunato, president and chief executive officer at GNC, said this about the relationship between GNC and NutriSystem: "GNC, as the leader in the nutrition industry, is thrilled to partner with NutriSystem, the emerging leader in weight loss programs. We are proud to be entering a relationship with a company that has the same high standards of delivering innovative, quality products to customers."
The affiliation between GNC and NutriSystem is advantageous for both companies and for consumers as well. The NutriSystem Nourish program adds another exciting dimension to GNC's wide selection of weight management products. It is one of the leading weight loss programs in the market with endorsements by health and fitness-conscious clients such as NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino and Ant, the host of VH1's Celebrity Fit Club. The GNC/NutriSystem alliance capitalizes on the mounting strength of both Pennsylvania companies -- whose customers share many similar characteristics -- and opens up another wide-reaching channel of distribution for NutriSystem.
"The synergy between the goals of GNC and NutriSystem promises an endless stream of cross-marketing opportunities that will attract new customers to both organizations," said Tom Dowd, GNC's senior vice president and general manager of retail stores. "Customers will have access to high-quality nutrition and fitness products and a devoted, knowledgeable sales staff. It's a win-win for everyone involved."
If the test launch is successful, GNC looks forward to the possibility of extending the program, in conjunction with NutriSystem Inc., to more than 1,500 prime U.S. retail locations. Currently, customers can order the program by visiting a participating GNC store, ordering online at http://www.nutrisystem.com/GNC or by calling 1-800-784-3160 and using promo code: GNC.
About GNC
GNC, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional products; including vitamin, mineral, herbal and other specialty supplements and sports nutrition, diet and energy products. GNC has more than 4,800 retail locations throughout the United States (including more than 1,000 franchise and 1,200 Rite Aid store-within-a-store locations) and franchise operations in 46 international markets. The company -- which is dedicated to helping consumers Live Well -- also offers products and product information online at http://www.gnc.com
About NutriSystem
Founded in 1972, NutriSystem (NTRI) is a leading provider of weight management products and services. The company offers a weight loss program based on portion-controlled, lower Glycemic Index prepared meals. The program has no membership fees and provides free online and telephone counseling.