GNC enters health care market
Another retailer is offering health care services to its customers.
Vtamins and supplements retailer GNC is adding a free supplemental healthcare program called GNC Health as an exclusive benefit to members of the GNC Pro Access loyalty initiative.
Available for a fixed fee of $39.99 per year, the upgraded GNC Pro Access membership now offers free health care services, including telehealth appointments to address urgent care and personal health needs, as well as access to a curated set of over 40 generic versions of urgent care medications and more than 70 generic personal health medications.
All these services are available with no co-pay, additional costs or hidden fees. GNC Pro Access members will also have access to licensed medical professionals (MDs), as well as reduced wait time for urgent care and personal health appointments.
In addition to the exclusive GNC Health offering, the retailer’s loyalty program members receive 10% cash back rewards on every purchase, one free GNC bar or drink with purchase every mont,h and free expedited shipping.
GNC said it set out to upgrade its loyalty program based on consumer feedback to offer a more robust and incentivized experience for customers looking for a single destination for their overall healthcare and wellness goals. In May 2023, GNC expanded its LiveWell mobile app with a new wellness tracking feature that allows consumers to earn benefits based on positive behavioral changes in areas that include fitness, stress management and mental wellness.
"As a trusted brand in the health and wellness space, we are thrilled to expand our efforts in helping our customers Live Well by offering free healthcare services to give them the care they need," said Allison Bentley, senior director of strategic initiatives, GNC. "We recognize the benefits of free supplemental healthcare services through GNC Health will add significant value to our loyalty members who are seeking more convenient access to healthcare offerings that help them live well."
"We're always looking for ways to create an easy and more rewarding shopping experience for our customers," said Jenna O'Connor, senior director of loyalty marketing, GNC. "We took a consumer-first approach, evaluated the benefits our customers use most and leveled up our program from there to now include streamlined benefits and more value."
Retailers expand into health care
GNC’s push into health care services comes as pharmacy and other retailers are also increasing their focus on health care. In January 2023, Dollar General began partnering with DocGo Inc., a provider of mobile health and transportation services, to pilot mobile health clinics.
In November 2022, Walgreens’ Village MD unit entered into a deal to buy Summit Health-CityMD. In addition to CityMD urgent care centers, Summit Health operates independent physician-run medical groups. And in September, CVS Health reached an agreement to acquire health care company Signify Health.
Meanwhile, Walmart continues to expand its freestanding health care concept, Walmart Health. Amazon also continues to make inroads in the market.