Posted on Apr 23, 2015
CW2 C2 Systems Integrator
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Gnc store
Should GNC be allowed on military installations?

AAFES is able to provide many of the same products as GNC, however GNC overprices in comparison.

In example GNC sells BSN True Mass for $66.99 while AAFES sells the same product for $54.99

I have found that on installations with a GNC, the AAFES stores do not even bother ordering the supplements and this practice forces Service Members to spend money on overpriced items.

I feel that this corrupt practice is in effect stealing money from the pockets of Service Members
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Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 10
LTC Yinon Weiss
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As somebody who believes in free markets, I don't think the problem here is GNC charging too much... the problem is with AAFES not selling the product that people want. So the blame should not be on GNC, but on AAFES.

If AAFES just sold the products that people wanted to buy at a lower cost, GNC would have to lower its cost or close its doors. Let service members vote with their money what should remain on bases...
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
9 y
Sir, the issue here is that AAFES works on a VERY outdated retail model.

I could bore you to hell with the minutia (my old company used to sell guns & gear to the exchange system), but it is MUCH closer to how grocery stores operate than to how a modern Walmart/Target/BigBox operates.

When you add in the Kiosk concept on top of that (which is selling floor space for a kickback), the idea of the exchange selling things that people actually want.. frankly becomes absurd. They're just not geared to do it.

They're designed as a "general store," great for staples. Bad for "on demand."
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SrA Aircraft Hydraulic Systems
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I stay away from gnc since they're notorious for overpriced products. I feel the same for aafes. Their tax cut doesn't help either. I learned to shop online for most products. It is a shame that servicemembers are underpaid then on top of that are subject to ridiculously priced products, ON BASE.

Many of us are adjusted to this inflation and don't realize the borderline injustice but as I said, they'll rarely get a buck from me.

I do note that it is hard for active duty members to have that kind of variety since many are overseas.
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CW3 MH-60 Pilot
CW3 (Join to see)
5 y
They price match though, that added to the tax free benefit makes it worth it for most items. I just find that they are usually limited with options for the items I’m looking for.
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SFC Bridge Nco Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
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I truly do not agree with GNC being ON post, the money alone is expensive for younger pay grades let alone some of the products they sale have questionable marketing techniques with overblown results and promises. I believe in supplementation as I was once a competitive bodybuilder but I see it a lot in today's performances based evaluations that most of these supplements do not do what they say they will do. So better safe than sorry in my book if you want supplement its most likely cheaper to go outside of post if you want them but do your research first.
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