DFI Retail Group is set to become the sole wholesaler, distributor, and franchisee of GNC’s wellness and health products in Singapore. This move represents an extension of the existing strategic partnership between the two firms.
DFI will employ its resources in sales, marketing, distribution, and logistics to facilitate the availability of GNC’s scientifically-supported health and wellness products through the Guardian Singapore network. This expansion is a continuation of a 20-year-long alliance between the two companies, previously established in Hong Kong. Here, GNC’s products were made available through independent outlets and DFI’s health and beauty chain, Mannings. This development also signifies the conclusion of a drawn-out legal dispute between GNC’s US parent company and its former partner in Singapore.
Curtis Liu, CEO for health & beauty at DFI, expressed his enthusiasm about the venture. He highlighted DFI’s deep market knowledge and extensive retail network as significant factors enabling them to bring GNC’s leading sports nutrition and health supplements back to Singapore. Customers will now have access to a handpicked range of credible, scientifically-proven health solutions via Guardian, Mannings, and exclusive GNC stores.
Having established its presence in Singapore in 1997, GNC recently received a positive ruling from the Singapore Court of Appeal which reinforced GNC’s rights to fully assume former store leases. This decision paves the way for GNC to regain an independent store presence in Singapore. The company is currently working on the assignment of the pertinent store leases.
From the fourth quarter of this year, customers in Singapore will be able to purchase GNC’s products, including vitamins, minerals, and sports nutrition, through both physical and online stores of Guardian, as well as GNC’s standalone stores.
Cheri Mullen, Chief Global Franchise and Wholesale Officer at GNC, expressed her anticipation to reinstate GNC’s store presence in Singapore. She emphasized their commitment to rebuilding and fortifying their market presence while maintaining the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and science-backed wellness solutions, as per customer expectations.
As a part of the expanded cooperation, DFI will also become GNC’s exclusive franchisee in Macau.
Questions & Answers
What will be the role of DFI Retail Group in the partnership with GNC?
DFI will serve as the exclusive wholesaler, distributor, and franchisee of GNC’s health and wellness products in Singapore. It will provide sales, marketing, distribution, and logistics services for GNC products through the Guardian Singapore network.
What does the collaboration between DFI and GNC mean for customers in Singapore?
Customers in Singapore will gain access to a wide range of GNC’s health and wellness products, including vitamins, minerals, and sports nutrition, through Guardian’s physical and online stores, as well as GNC’s standalone stores starting the fourth quarter of this year.
What recent legal decision has allowed GNC to expand its presence in Singapore?
The Singapore Court of Appeal recently upheld and enforced GNC’s rights to assume former store leases in full, enabling GNC to regain an independent store presence in Singapore.
