The Vitamin Shoppe Plans Retail Expansion with Franchise Stores

The Vitamin Shoppe, an omni-channel specialty retailer of nutritional products, today announced the launch of an innovative franchising model for independent operators to open The Vitamin Shoppe stores in their own communities around the United States. This is the first time in its 44-year history that The Vitamin Shoppe will partner with business owners to operate franchise stores.

Franchise partners now have the opportunity to leverage the trusted quality of The Vitamin Shoppe brand and its unparalleled expertise in the fast-growing health and wellness sector when they open new locations. The Vitamin Shoppe's unique franchise model rewards franchise partners for driving VitaminShoppe.com and VShoppe app sales, via a commission structure that creates a seamless omnichannel experience for both franchisees and their customers. The customer experience across franchise stores is designed to be identical and indistinguishable from the 680+ retail locations owned by The Vitamin Shoppe.

Sharon Leite, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe, commented: "Now is an especially opportune time to partner with highly motivated entrepreneurs to expand our store fleet. This new growth strategy is a capital-efficient way to grow our retail footprint in a favorable real estate market, while empowering our franchise partners to create dynamic, locally-owned businesses. With the events of the past year, consumers have become more invested in their health and well-being, as reflected in The Vitamin Shoppe's performance. We are tapping into this industry's strong runway for growth by partnering with franchisees who share our passion for quality, innovation, and the health of their customers and communities."

With quality and innovation at the core of The Vitamin Shoppe brand, the company is driving growth through a comprehensive strategy of merchandising initiatives, operational enhancements, and marketing innovations. In the past year, these include the expansion of an innovation-focused retail format; the creation of the leading national destination for CBD; the reimagining of the Healthy Awards loyalty program; the launch of an Asia business; partnerships with trailblazers in the wellness space such as WW (formerly Weight Watchers); and product launches with sought-after brands such as Alani Nu, Ghost, Zoa, Goli, and Martha Stewart CBD.

Throughout the franchising process and the life of the partnership, The Vitamin Shoppe teams are committed to supporting franchise partners with essential aspects of retail operations, supply chain, brand and product marketing, legal, real estate, and digital integrations. The journey to franchise ownership with The Vitamin Shoppe can be completed in an estimated six to eight weeks. The first franchised locations of The Vitamin Shoppe stores are expected to open later this year. Franchise markets are available in all U.S. states, with the exceptions of Washington and Oregon, where The Vitamin Shoppe operates stores under the Super Supplements banner.

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Source: The Vitamin Shoppe / PR News Wire