BCEDC Member, Anand Patel Shares His Story
The name ‘Laxmi’ is the Hindu God of Wealth and Prosperity. It totally makes sense to have the GNC Acquired Franchise under this name, Laxmi Nutrition LLC. This store location has been around helping clients with their health and nutrition needs since 2000. In fact, I first came on as a part-time employee in 2005. I was very intrigued with the supplements display on the shelf. I had never seen a store dedicated to nutrition supplements.
Through the years, I moved up to store managerial positions. Not just this at location, but at other GNC corporate stores. This eventually allowed me to invest and acquire the location where I was originally hired, the GNC in the Brookwood Shopping Center, Bensalem.
There was also an opportunity to purchase GNC locations in other counties. My father helped me decide that it would be wise to obtain the same location I was originally hired in 2005. It is in a prime location on Street Road, with great, loyal customers through the years and a bonus, I resided nearby. The proximity was advantageous, I could focus more on the store and its customers rather than spending hours in the car commuting to a location possibly over an hour away. A seven-minute ride is enjoyable.
There are always challenges. During the Covid pandemic, we were fortunate to be considered essential. We helped people with taking the right supplements and keeping their immune system strong. Now, online shopping has also affected the ‘brick -and mortar’ stores. Customer retention is not where it should be. My passion about health and nutrition is what gives me the strength to overcome the struggles of the challenges.
For more information contact: Anand Patel, President/Franchisee, Laxmi Nutrition LLC, GNC (General Nutrition Centers), Brookwood Shopping Center,1879 Street Rd, Bensalem, 215-638-7188.