GNC Names Carmichael Lynch as Creative / Media Agency

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC), a leading global specialty retailer of health and wellness products, has awarded creative and media duties to Carmichael Lynch.

Carmichael Lynch emerged as the winner in a group of some of the best agencies in the country originally targeted as potential candidates for the job.

"Carmichael Lynch has a history of building emotional connections with consumers that drive passion for the brand and business results," said Tom Dowd, executive vice president, chief merchandising officer and general manager of GNC. "Their big idea will help further elevate GNC as a strong lifestyle brand, appealing to a much broader audience."

"We are excited to launch a new campaign with Carmichael Lynch, and we expect to reach new customers and introduce them to our fantastic store experience, top-quality products and leading sub-brands such as Pro Performance®, Total Lean™ and Vitapak®," said Joe Fortunato, GNC's chairman of the board, president and CEO. "Once we get new customers in the door, they will quickly understand why GNC is the leader in the industry and in addition leads the way in innovation with first to market products. The Respect Yourself campaign was very successful in communicating the GNC brand and its appeal across all demographics. We have enormous respect for Peter Arnell and the integrity of his vision. However, GNC was looking for a one-stop-shop that could cover all of our marketing needs, which are evolving. Carmichael Lynch fills those needs."

"We're thrilled to be working with GNC," said Carmichael Lynch's president and chief strategy officer, Marcus Fischer. "They're a true passion brand that is great to work on."

The new campaign is expected to debut this spring. GNC marks the fifth account win for Carmichael Lynch over the past year.

About GNC
GNC Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, is a leading global specialty retailer of health and wellness products, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplement products, sports nutrition products and diet products, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GNC."

The Company – which is dedicated to helping consumers Live Well – has a diversified, multi-channel business model and derives revenue from product sales through company-owned retail stores, domestic and international franchise activities, third party contract manufacturing, e-commerce and corporate partnerships.  GNC's broad and deep product mix, which is focused on high-margin, premium, value-added nutritional products, is sold under GNC proprietary brands, including Mega Men®, Ultra Mega®, Total Lean^TM, Pro Performance®, Pro Performance® AMP, Beyond Raw®, and under nationally recognized third party brands.  As of September 30, 2013, GNC has more than 8,400 locations, of which more than 6,300 retail locations are in the United States (including 984 franchise and 2,206 Rite Aid franchise store-within-a-store locations) and franchise operations in 54 countries (including distribution centers where retail sales are made).

Web:
GNC.com l Twitter: @GNCLiveWell l Facebook: facebook.com/GNCLiveWell

About Carmichael Lynch
Carmichael Lynch has earned a worldwide reputation for building brands through inventive ideas in advertising, digital and public relations. The agency's portfolio of clients includes Subaru of America, Jack Link's Beef Jerky, Tempur-Pedic, Ingersoll Rand, Steak 'n Shake and other envied brands. Carmichael Lynch Inc. is owned by the Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (NYSE: IPG), New York. For more information, visit www.carmichaellynch.com.

Media Contacts:

For Carmichael Lynch:
Maria Hileman
612-334-6009
[email protected]

For GNC:
Laura Brophy
212-537-5177, Ext 2
[email protected]

SOURCE Carmichael Lynch