GNC 'Goes Live' with Two New and Improved Websites; Sites Serve-up Information in State-of-the-art, User-friendly Format.

Business/High Tech Editors

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 28, 2001

General Nutrition Companies, Inc., the largest specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, today announced the launch of two retooled and redesigned websites, www.gnc.com and www.gncproperformance.com, that will allow consumers to quickly and easily find the information they need for healthy living.

The two sites feature a new interactive format and they go live January 1, 2002.

Karla Willman, Vice President, Public Relations and Communications, said, "Providing consumers with the most accurate, up-to-date information has always been a priority for GNC. With these newly designed websites, GNC not only delivers product information in a dynamic format, but also, the latest information on health and lifestyle trends -- it is now a complete source of information for healthy living. The sites were re-designed with our customers in mind, who provided feedback through our call center. We have tried to create an atmosphere that addresses our most common questions and concerns, thereby enhancing our customers' experience."

Ms. Willman added, "We've incorporated XML technology, the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology available to web designers, into the www.gnc.com site so that we can quickly and easily update information in as little as four minutes to many sections. As news breaks on the latest health issues, consumers can be confident that we will have the most timely information."

The retooled site, www.gnc.com, is designed in the GNC corporate colors, red and gray, and emphasizes the GNC brand by mirroring what the consumer would see in a GNC store. It is divided into four categories -- the main splash page, a section for women, men and kids. The site features an on-line catalog of over 1,000 GNC proprietary products, a list of vegetarian products, a recipe finder and coupons. There is also a helpful "Health Matters" section that offers information on 12 specific health concerns.

www.gncproperformance.com is designed for athletes of all levels, including the more experienced sports enthusiast -- bodybuilders, weight lifters and competitive athletes. It contains product information on GNC's Pro Performance(R) brand and Pro Performance team members, as well as a helpful "Ask Jeff" section where training tips and answers to the most commonly asked fitness related questions are posted by GNC's Director of Sports Nutrition, Dr. Jeffrey Stout. It is designed in the black and red colors of the Pro Performance brand.

General Nutrition Companies, Inc. (GNC), based in Pittsburgh, PA, is the largest nationwide specialty retailer of vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, sports nutrition as well as personal care and related products. GNC operates more than 5,300 retail outlets throughout the United States, including 1,360 domestic franchise locations, and 26 foreign markets, including Canada and Mexico. GNC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Numico N.V., a worldwide market leader in specialized nutrition that includes infant and clinical nutrition and nutritional supplements. Headquartered in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands, Royal Numico's operations include manufacturing facilities in more than 50 countries and research facilities in The Netherlands, Germany, the U.K., China, Australia and the USA.