The Vitamin Shoppe announced the launch of its first franchise store, located in Greensboro, NC.
The store is an existing location previously operated by The Vitamin Shoppe and now converted to a franchise unit. The franchisee is a partnership group that includes Muhammad Kamran Awan, Preet Kamal, Gurmeet Singh, and Husnain Bajwa. The partners own and operate multiple businesses across hotels, restaurants, real estate, property management, and retail in the region.
Under the terms of the franchise agreement, the partners will renovate the Greensboro store into The Vitamin Shoppe’s updated innovation format and also open three new stores by 2024 within their franchise territory in the greater Greensboro region.
Sharon Leite, CEO, The Vitamin Shoppe, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with a group of entrepreneurs who share our deeply held brand values and envision tremendous growth potential for The Vitamin Shoppe. Mr. Awan, Ms. Kamal, Mr. Singh, and Mr. Bajwa have operated dynamic, customer-focused businesses in this region for over 17 years and they will bring that same passion and expertise to the management of The Vitamin Shoppe. This unique opportunity to convert a successful, company-owned location to a franchise store under the guidance of local experts will strengthen our business in North Carolina. I’m confident our customers and Health Enthusiast associates are in good hands.”
Announced in 2021, The Vitamin Shoppe’s franchise model offers independent retail operators the opportunity to open stores in their communities in the U.S. for the first time since the company’s founding in 1977. The Vitamin Shoppe is focused on opening new franchise locations, with the potential for select conversions of existing stores when part of a franchisee’s mutually agreed-upon strategic development plan.
“I and my partners are honored to mark this momentous occasion in The Vitamin Shoppe’s history as its first franchise location,” said Awan. “As dedicated members of the Greensboro community for many years, we look forward to expanding The Vitamin Shoppe’s commitment to industry-leading quality, innovation and expertise to even more of our customers and neighbors.”
