GNC unveils fifth concept store at Covent Garden
Sports nutrition chain GNC has unveiled its fifth concept store in London’s Covent Garden.
Taking as much inspiration from the gym as it does from the shop floor, the shop features a ‘TRX Challenge Zone’ where staff can use fitness equipment to demonstrate a variety of muscle building and body toning exercises to customers.
The store also includes a ‘Sports Bar’ – a mix-and-go unit for fitness enthusiasts to purchase single protein shakes to takeaway or top up a bottle they carry with them. A range of weight management, sports supplements and energy gels is also available.
In a move towards an omni-channel model, the new store has interactive touch screen displays and one minute digital exercise videos for customers to view while they shop.
The store will house a team of seven, all of whom are part of the company’s training programme, accredited by Pearson, allowing them to advise consumers on sports nutrition, health and wellbeing up to A-Level standard.
Head of marketing Nicola Simpson said: “What sets us apart from the competition is our comprehensive range plus the knowledge and passion of our trained staff.
“With this concept we are taking this to the next level with an interactive environment and bigger and better ranges.”
GNC is part of the NBTY Europe group of companies, which also includes Holland & Barrett, Essenza in Belgium and De Tuinen in the Netherlands. NBTY Europe now operates more than 1,000 retail outlets in the health food sector.
The new look concept stores follow the re-launch of the brand’s loyalty card in June under the Train to Gain banner. The scheme gives customers points every time they shop in store.
