How much revenue does a GNC franchise make?

GNC does disclose financial performance data (Item 19) in their 2026 FDD, including average and median gross revenue figures. Get full access to see the exact revenue numbers and detailed financial breakdown.

How many GNC franchise locations are there?

As of the 2026 FDD, GNC has 643 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1987.

Can you get an SBA loan for a GNC franchise?

Yes, SBA loans are available for GNC franchises. We have historical SBA 7(a) loan data on file including approval counts, average loan amounts, and default rates. Get full access to see the complete SBA loan history.

Is GNC a good franchise to buy?

GNC shows several positive indicators: established brand with 643+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.

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GNC

GNC franchises operate retail health, wellness, and performance stores that sell vitamins, mineral supplements (including GNC-branded products), sports nutrition, herbs, health foods, beauty products, diet aids, fitness items, and related health-management products under the GNC brand and system. Franchisees follow standardized store designs, operating procedures, and merchandising to serve customers through physical stores and potentially omni-channel strategies. The target market includes health-conscious consumers seeking supplements and wellness products.

FDD Year:

643locations

$130K–$450K

Since 1987

HealthcarePittsburgh, PAHarbin Pharmaceutical Group Holding Co., Ltd.www.gncfranchising.comDisclaimer

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Franchise Costs

Franchise Fee

$20,000

Initial Investment

$130,000 – $450,000

Royalty Rate

6.00%

Brand Fund

3.00%

Fixed Monthly Fees

$374 – $500

6% royalty + 3% ad fund + $75-$338/mo technology/network fees

Financial Performance

Item 19 Financial Performance

Average Gross Revenue

$484,104

Median Gross Revenue

$445,319

Data Based On: 626 franchised GNC Stores operated continuously from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

Extracted Item 19 Section

Avg. Revenue: $484,104

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How GNC Compares

Key Insights

#3 largest franchise system in Specialty Retail
One of the lowest SBA loan default rates in Specialty Retail

Franchise	Investment	Fee	Royalty	Locations
GNC Current	$130K – $450K	$20K	6.0%	643
CORNWELL	$80K – $324K	N/A	N/A	793
MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS	$48K – $263K	N/A	N/A	757
BATTERIES PLUS	$285K – $537K	$50K	5.0%	601
PET SUPPLIES PLUS	$537K – $2.0M	$50K	3.0%	502
WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED	$232K – $376K	$40K	4.0%	344
Specialty Retail Average 50 franchises	$282K – $680K	$39K	5.2%	–

* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 50 Specialty Retail franchises by location count.

Locations & Growth

Outlet Growth Over Time

Total outlets at end of each year

Geographic Distribution (2025)

Outlets by state across the United States

Top States

1TX

150

2CA

3FL

4IL

5PA

6GA

7TN

8OH

9NJ

10NC

11NY

12VA

13MN

14MI

15AL

+27 more states

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SBA Loan History

Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for GNC franchisees (2018 – 2023)

Total Loans

Average Loan

$158,657

Total Volume

$2.2M

Default Rate

0.0%

Loans by Year

SBA 7(a) loan activity over time

* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.

14 SBA loans on record

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Franchisee Contacts

623 franchisee contacts on file from official FDD filings.

623 Contacts Available

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Due Diligence

Litigation (Item 3)

Franchisee Cases4

Primarily disputes related to breach of distribution and franchise agreements, wrongful termination, and alleged interference with third-party suppliers and contractual relations.

Bankruptcy (Item 4)

Bankruptcy HistoryYes

GNC Holdings, Inc. (predecessor) filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy plan discharged claims arising before its effective date.

System Health (Item 20)

Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year

Terminations

Non-Renewals

Reacquired

Ceased Ops

Transfers

N/A

Sold to Franchisees

Projected New

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Frequently Asked Questions

The total initial investment to open a GNC franchise ranges from $130,000 to $450,000. This includes a franchise fee of $20,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.