Marketing

Vitamin Shoppe moves into franchising realm

Photo provided.

June 4, 2021

Specialty retailer, The Vitamin Shoppe, is expanding its market reach with a franchise strategy covering the U.S.

It is the first time the 44-year-old retailer will partner with business operators to operate franchise locations, according to a press release.

The franchise model will reward franchise partners for driving VitaminShoppe.com and VShoppe app sales, via a commission structure and the customer experience is designed to be identical and indistinguishable from the 680-plus retail locations owned by The Vitamin Shoppe.

"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," Sharon Leite, The Vitamin Shoppe CEO, said in the release. "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."

Franchise ownership can be completed in an estimated six to eight weeks, the release said. The first franchised locations of The Vitamin Shoppe stores are expected to open later this year, the company said.