Shipt and GNC Announce Same-Day Delivery Partnership

GNC and Shipt announced a new partnership that will for the first time bring same-day delivery of GNC health and wellness products to consumers across the country, according to a company press release. Shipt customers can select GNC in the user-friendly app and on Shipt.com to add any products to their order, including vitamins and supplements, protein bars, beauty and skincare products, and fitness equipment.

The announcement states that the partnership "comes at the perfect time: every year the most common New Year's resolution has to do with living a healthier lifestyle — whether eating more healthy foods, getting in shape, or better sleeping habits — but studies indicate that around 80 percent of resolutions will be abandoned in February." As a go-to health and wellness authority, GNC offers the product solutions and expertise to encourage healthy habits, while Shipt provides convenience by delivering those essentials in as soon as one hour.

Total Retail's Take: As demand for next-day, same-day or even one-hour delivery grows among consumers, it's only natural that more big-box retailers tap into the trend. What's interesting about Shipt and GNC's partnership announcement is the tie-in to New Year's resolutions for health and wellness after a year marred by the COVID-19 pandemic. GNC President Josh Burris stated, "the pandemic has really done a number on our bodies — both physically and mentally ... [and] this year in particular many are finding it difficult to stick to their resolutions. By tapping into the infrastructure Shipt has in place, we can help people reset their goals and offer our customers same-day delivery as they continue on their wellness journey."

Over the last year, it became even more clear how important same-day delivery offerings are to the health of everyday families, seniors, and people who are immunocompromised. This partnership meets a consumer health need right now as "many are struggling on how to deal with stress, weight management, sleepless nights and more," added Rina Hurst, chief business officer at Shipt. Staying in their homes and visiting the doctor less frequently during the health crisis, consumers have also begun searching for other avenues for health and wellness items they can purchase directly online. The Shipt and GNC partnership seems to be a natural fit and mutually beneficial, expanding services, offerings and customer reach for both brands.