It’s always exciting when a new retailer pops up in Downtown Lincoln and GNC is no exception. GNC recently opened its doors in the newly developed Larson Building on 1317 Q St near the Nebraska Bookstore. GNC started from the ground up in 1935 in Pittsburgh, PA and is now one of the most recognizable names in nutrition in the world with 6,000 stores in 49 countries. Nathan Hanson, a Bellevue native and the new franchisee, is no rookie to the nutrition game and is excited to expand into the Lincoln market. He has 12 years of experience and three stores already under his belt. We were eager to catch up with Nathan and learn about his store, his drive, and his love for his family.
DLA: Why did you decide to start your business downtown and what do you think you’ll enjoy most about having it located down here?
Nathan: We picked our location because we wanted to be part of the UNL community! We are really excited to be downtown, looking forward most to the atmosphere and diversity it offers.
DLA: For people who have never heard of your store, explain to them a little about the types of vitamins, supplements, and products you have to offer there. What can people expect?
Nathan: Our store offers the widest selection of vitamins, minerals, herbs, sports nutrition, healthy aging, men’s and women’s health, fish oils, and plant based proteins for specialty stores like ours. We also offer healthy snacks, including chips, bars, drinks, jerky, soft chews, and dried fruit. We have just about anything and everything, and if we don’t, we can most likely get it for you!
DLA: How long have you been in the nutrition business?
Nathan: I have personally been involved in the nutrition business since 2003. During my college years I started part time at GNC, working my way up to manager over the next few years. In 2005 I decided to take it a step further, go into training, and start my own Franchise GNC in Bellevue, NE.
DLA: What makes your GNC different from the others?
Nathan: We are a family operated GNC, and the only one of the four GNC’s in Lincoln. Being family operated, we are able to carry a wider selection of product, ones you won’t see at corporate stores or even our competitor stores. Our manager has been with us for over six years, so there is a lot of knowledge in our stores. Having staff that has been around for a while also assures you the same great experience every time you shop with us! Moreover, we ask lifestyle questions to find you the right product for you. No pressure selling with us, we want you to get the right product and earn your business for years to come. We are able to run special discounts/offers, have free samples daily, and offer gifts with purchase!
DLA: Any specials or deals you are running? Price match?
Nathan: Right now we are running a grand opening special, 30% OFF your entire purchase, Free Gold Card (Our member card that saves you up to 50% off every day) and Free Shaker bottle.
We price match bodybuilding.com and other select websites, as well as beat ANY local competitor’s price, ANY DAY!
DLA: Biggest struggle?
Nathan: Organization, that’s where my wife completes me. She’s an amazing partner.
DLA: Biggest reward?
Nathan: Helping people improve on a daily basis. Leading by example living a healthy lifestyle with my family.
DLA: Favorite spot in Downtown Lincoln other than GNC?
Nathan: Downtown YMCA, and then Leadbelly for a post workout meal/beer!
Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association provides services and champions initiatives for maintaining and enhancing our vibrant downtown. Our vision is to create an energetic downtown environment where we live, learn, work, invest and play. DLA has evolved into a multi-faceted organization supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development and advocacy. For a complete listing of downtown businesses, events and residences visit downtownlincoln.org. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownlincoln.
by Terry Uland, President
Downtown Lincoln Association
402-434-6900