GNC Making Big Changes As Part Of New Campaign

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - GNC stores across the country were closed on Wednesday and the company's website went dark.

Today, they are back up and running for the launch of a new campaign.

Jeff Hennion, GNC's Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and e-Commerce Officer, said the goal of the campaign is for customers to rethink who GNC is.

When stores opened on Thursday, there were some noticeable changes for customers.

Starting today, regular GNC customers will see at least half of the products marked down. There will also be a cash back program and the GNC Gold Card is now null and void.

"The Gold Card goes away, it's gone. So, there's no longer a member price and a non-member price. We took prices down, everybody pays the same price. If you bought a Gold Card within the last few months or so, we're going to reimburse you and give you money to spend in the new GNC," Hennion said.

GNC regulars said they were aware of the changes and they think they're awesome. Cait Bonenberger said she places a lot of value of purchasing things at a store versus ordering them off the internet.

"I like to get advice or information from the people who work here instead of just trying to do it myself online," she said.

Don Megginson says he does shopping on both platforms, but said what GNC is doing is smart for the long haul.

"I think it's good to give money back to consumers. Feels like the brand cares opposed to paying for the membership, which may not assist you and give you dollars back," he said.

The company was founded in Pittsburgh 82 years ago, so it's only fitting that the launch their One New GNC campaign would be held at their downtown headquarters.

People gathered outside the building for a 3D lighting spectacular Wednesday night.

Also, for the first time ever, GNC will run a commercial during the Super Bowl. The 30-second One New GNC ad will run at some point during the game.

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