GNC Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
GNC, or General Nutrition Centers, is a well-established franchise in the health and wellness retail sector, founded in 1935. The company’s headquarters is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
GNC began its franchising endeavors the same year it was founded, showcasing its long-standing commitment to expanding its reach through partnerships with franchisees.
The company operates as a specialty retailer of health and wellness products, including vitamins, supplements, minerals, herbs, sports nutrition, diet, and energy products. GNC distinguishes itself in the competitive market with its focus on quality and innovation in nutritional supplements.
Over the years, GNC has been recognized for its commitment to effective franchising and product excellence, which includes exclusive GNC brands and other nationally recognized third-party brands.
This combination offers a comprehensive approach to personal health that appeals to a broad customer base seeking to improve their health and wellness.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a GNC franchise? It costs on average between $189,000 – $504,000 to start a GNC franchised business.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 |
| Security Deposit | $2,500 |
| Equipment (POS & Peripherals, POS Secure Payment Terminal/System, and Retail Tablet Computer) | $5,000 to $7,000 |
| Signage | $8,500 to $20,000 |
| Fixtures | $7,500 to $38,000 |
| Construction and Other Store Costs | $35,000 to $250,000 |
| Total | $189,000 to $504,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a GNC franchise? A GNC franchised store makes on average $540,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $711,000 yearly revenue for similar retail food franchises. Below are 10 GNC competitors as a comparison:
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We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
GNC Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many GNC locations are there?
As of the latest data, GNC operates a total of 2,267 locations across the United States. These include both franchise-owned and company-owned stores.
The majority of these locations are company-owned, but a significant portion are franchises, with approximately 800 franchised locations. This number reflects GNC’s strong presence in the health and wellness industry, despite closures and restructuring over the past few years.
What is the total investment required to open a GNC franchise?
The total investment required to open a GNC franchise ranges from $189,000 to $504,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a GNC franchise?
A GNC franchise requires ongoing fees including a 6% royalty fee on gross sales and a 3% marketing fee. These fees cover the use of the GNC brand, operational support, and contributions to national marketing efforts aimed at promoting the franchise network.
What are the financial requirements to become a GNC franchisee?
To become a GNC franchisee, prospective franchisees must meet certain financial requirements. The minimum net worth required is typically $350,000, ensuring that the franchisee has sufficient assets to support the business.
Additionally, applicants must have at least $125,000 in liquid capital available. This liquid capital is necessary to cover the initial startup costs, which include franchise fees, inventory, and other operational expenses.
How much can a GNC franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a GNC franchise are approximately $0.54 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.54 million yearly revenue can result in $81,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns GNC?
GNC is currently owned by Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Holding Co., a Chinese state-owned company. Harbin acquired a significant stake in GNC in 2018, purchasing about 40% of the company’s shares.
This acquisition was part of a broader effort to stabilize GNC after a period of financial difficulties, including its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2020. Harbin Pharmaceutical Group now plays a major role in GNC’s operations and decision-making, leveraging the company’s global presence in the health and wellness market.
Disclaimer
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