Morris GNC now a franchise store

MORRIS – GNC, located at 209 Route 6 in Morris, has changed from a corporate-owned store to a franchised one.

To celebrate the change, ownership at GNC plans to host Saturday and Sunday a grand opening weekend to unveil some of the store’s changes.

Nutrition company representatives will be on hand, and GNC will offer several product samples, as well as more than $1,000 in raffles and giveaways. But perhaps most importantly to new owner Robert Wiet, the weekend is an opportunity for GNC to connect with the Morris community more than ever.

Wiet said there are a few main differences between a corporate-owned GNC and a franchised one. He plans to bring a community-invested GNC to Morris, much like the one he’s opened in Batavia.

“A change people might notice is more customer appreciation events and community outreach,” Wiet said. “As a franchise, we can get more direct with the community.”

Wiet said he lives in Yorkville and has heard good things about Morris for a long time. He understands the passion for Morris Community High School football, and he hopes to donate to different causes.

“I know how big philanthropy is in Morris,” he said.

Staff will aim to bring personalized customer service to anyone who walks in, offering extensive supplement knowledge that can aid a person in reaching their goals, Wiet said.

The grand opening weekend will feature 30 percent-off pricing. Wiet said prices at the Morris GNC may beat membership pricing at corporate-owned stores.

Wiet had managed several GNCs before becoming an owner a couple years ago. He’s been in the supplement industry for more than 10 years and said what sets GNC apart from other companies is a reliable and affordable product line.

“GNC has a lot of high-quality supplements, from sports nutrition to a daily multivitamin and probiotics,” he said. “That, along with our pricing compared to other well-known brands, sets us apart.”