Vitamin Shoppe signs its first-ever franchise agreement

The Vitamin Shoppe is expanding its footprint in Texas through its new business model.

The specialty vitamin and nutritional products retailer signed a multi-unit agreement that will result in the opening of three franchise stores in the Texas towns of East Austin, New Braunfels, and Harlingen. The stores are expected to open within nine months. This is the first time in its history that Vitamin Shoppe has partnered with independent operators for franchise locations.

[Read More: Vitamin Shoppe to expand via franchising for first time in its history]

The Vitamin Shoppe’s first franchisees are Joey and Marcy Zayas, who also own a Texas-based land development and management company. Marcy Zayas was previously a store manager of a Vitamin Shoppe location in Brownsville, Texas for over 12 years, providing her with a deep knowledge and understanding of the brand's products, customer base and operations, the company said. 

"As we initiate our innovative franchising model, we are seeking entrepreneurial partners who share our deeply held brand values and who have an authentic passion for the health of their customers,” stated Sharon Leite, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe. “Marcy and Joey fit that bill to a tee, and then some. I'm confident they will build thriving businesses that serve their Texas communities with the exceptional quality, innovation, and expertise that are the enduring hallmarks of each and every store that carries The Vitamin Shoppe banner. I'm especially pleased to welcome Marcy back to The Vitamin Shoppe team, this time as an independent business owner and franchisee."

The Vitamin Shoppe operates more than 680 directly owned locations, as well as an e-commerce business, offering the largest assortment of vitamin, mineral, and supplement products at retail in the United States. The company operates additional stores under the Super Supplements banner in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.