Should GNC be allowed on military installations?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:40:13 -0400

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

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 23 at 2015 12:50 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:50:22 -0400

Keep in mind that GNC is paying AAFES to be there as well.

But on a side note, there is probably products in the Commissary which are cheaper than those in the BX/PX/FX. Do you feel the same way about the PX's inflated pricing?

When the PX invites a company like GNC in, they are able to open up more floor space to other product, which in turn means they offer the service member more options on other things. Sure you may pay more on 1 item, but you get more total items because of it.

Not only do you get a much larger selection of GNC type items (rather than 1 shelf), you get "expertise" on those products, and you get more shelf space inside the PX for other things which actually matter, at appropriate pricing. In addition to that, the PX gets a "kickback" for all the items sold at the kiosk, which means that everyone wins in the long run.

Is it corrupt? Only in the "what the market will bear" philosophy.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Apr 23 at 2015 12:50 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:50:32 -0400

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...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 1:04 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:04:17 -0400

I agree that the fault lies with AAFES and not with GNC.

As far as making extra shelf space goes, AAFES stores still have a full selection of video games in areas co-located with a Game Stop. So it seems that the problem is specific to nutrition products and GNC.

I do not claim to be a nutrition or supplement expert but I have never received any solid advice from a GNC employee, only attempts to sway me from my product of choice to the GNC version.

As for the Commissary or other stores on base having better prices than AAFES I am not upset. If Service Members are given the freedom to drive a block down the street for a cheaper product I see no problem.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 1:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:04:32 -0400

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.

Response by SSG Daniel Deiler made Apr 23 at 2015 1:17 PM

SSG Daniel Deiler — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:17:41 -0400

Forced you say? Hardly. Everything in the store available is not a requirement but a choice. If price is your complaint, simply go to Amazon. More than likely everything you may want to purchase at a store will be available there...for a cheaper price.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 1:31 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:31:46 -0400

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.

Response by LTC Gail Daras made Apr 23 at 2015 1:52 PM

LTC Gail Daras — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:52:50 -0400

I think it should be allowed as long as it follows the rules by the Army's medical community. If they find a product has hurt our soldiers on a continuing basis, they must be forced to remove that product. I worked at FORSCOM Safety for six years and we came upon one product that was killing our soldiers. I worked with the FORSCOM's surgeon's office to ensure this product was removed from all FORSCOM posts. I don't know if TRADOC or other installations paid attention to this product.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 23 at 2015 3:23 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 15:23:25 -0400

With the internet and the communities around bases having similar opportunities or products....who really cares? I can understand when the bases are remote or overseas...but I did mention the internet right?

Response by SSG Michael Montoya made Apr 23 at 2015 9:29 PM

SSG Michael Montoya — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 21:29:30 -0400

I never really see a lot of people in GNC on post or off when I walk by them. I quit using them as a primary source of supplements long ago. You can find anything they sell online from other sellers for cheaper....it's all about having a little patience while waiting for the mail to arrive. I buy all my supplements from http://www.bodybuilding.com....they ship fast...I have gotten shipments even down range in less than 10 days....plus they offer a 10% military discount if you write them an email once your order has been confirmed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2019 2:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 14:48:08 -0400

I feel like AAFES is phasing GNC out of its locations. AAFES has some really good prices and like you said, GNC is overpriced.