From a Pittsburgh health store to a Chinese-owned retail giant, the GNC story.

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1935, GNC evolved from a small health food shop into a global supplement powerhouse. Yet, its journey through bankruptcy, private equity ownership, and a transition to Chinese state-owned control has been marked by legal battles, regulatory scrutiny, and a constant struggle to adapt to changing consumer habits.

David Shakarian opened his first health food store, Lackzoom, in downtown Pittsburgh in 1935. Despite losing his inventory to a major flood in 1936, he rebuilt the business, eventually rebranding as General Nutrition Centers in the 1960s. Shakarian successfully scaled the company by leveraging mail-order sales and the rising American interest in fitness. By the 1980s, the company went public, beginning a complex cycle of ownership changes involving private equity firms like Thomas H. Lee Partners and various corporate acquisitions, including by Royal Dutch Numico and Apollo Management.

The company's modern era is defined by significant volatility. In 2018, the Chinese state-owned Harbin Pharmaceutical Group acquired a 40% stake, eventually taking full control in 2020 after GNC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This ownership shift triggered national security concerns from U.S. officials, including Senator Marco Rubio, and prompted legislative proposals to restrict GNC's presence on military bases. Simultaneously, the company has faced intense pressure from the digital market, leading to the closure of hundreds of retail locations and a strategic pivot toward e-commerce, drone delivery, and tech-integrated flagship stores.

GNC has frequently contended with legal and regulatory challenges regarding product integrity. The company has faced lawsuits from franchisees alleging predatory corporate practices and has been targeted by state attorneys general over the accuracy of supplement labeling. In one notable settlement with the Department of Justice, GNC agreed to pay $2.25 million to resolve claims involving undisclosed or unsafe ingredients. Despite these hurdles, the company maintains a massive footprint, selling products from over 325 brands and operating a charitable foundation that supports veterans, though critics argue the foundation serves primarily as a marketing vehicle rather than an independent public health initiative.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• From Depression-Era Liquidations to a Retail Empire: The Evolution of Dollar General
• From surplus liquidator to retail giant: the strange evolution of Neighborhood Intelligence
• From hookah supplies to a $5.45 billion convenience store empire
• How a tiny seed shop became a global conglomerate and China's first foreign investor
• The drug giant GSK traces part of its family tree to New Zealand baby milk
• The Dutch Goalkeeper: A 30mm Gatling Gun That Obliterates Incoming Supersonic Missiles
• How a failed kickboxing giant birthed a new global combat sports powerhouse
• The Colorado town that almost won the race for regional dominance
• How a Private Equity Executive Redefined the Modern Republican Playbook in Virginia
• The Golden Nugget: A Las Vegas icon built on gold and Hollywood fame
• How a first-time offender became one of the FBI's most elusive fugitives
• From Philadelphia to the Bay: How the Warriors Became an NBA Dynasty

More in US culture · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics