Vitamin Shoppe Launches Online Forums

The Vitamin Shoppe forums are in the midst of beta testing.

Tradional "Bricks and Mortar" companies like GNC, Vitamin World and Vitamin Shoppe are being forced to step up their online game in response to upstarts like Bodybuilding.com.

August 27, 2008

Special for Bodybuilding Weekly

During the online boom of the late 1990's and early 2000's, several new business terms were coined in top business schools across the country.  Along came e-commerce, and in response the "old guard" companies that were not online became part of something known as the "bricks and mortar" world.  Bricks and mortar companies - solid, substantive, actually there - but sometimes slow to react to competitive pressures brought on by online upstarts.  Because of the need to build stores and to staff them with employees, the line was that these actual, offline companies were at a disadvantage because of higher operating costs. 

Vitamin Shoppe, one of the four major national "bricks and mortar" supplement chains along with GNS, Vitamin World, and Max Muscle, is finally fighting back and creating online forums to connect customers to expert advice and others with similar interests in their local communities.

Many do not realize that Vitamin Shoppe has an online presence as well, and they offer free shipping on all supplement orders over $99.  "These forums are unique, because they allow people to be online yet remain attached to their local communities.  Not only can people discuss any questions or issues that might come up on a daily basis, but they can follow up with a visit to their local retail store, even when their orders are placed online."

Of the major chains, Max Muscle has arguably done the best job of connecting advice and human interaction with their brand.  Max Muscle offers expert trainers in the franchise locations, teaching customers and athletes alike utilizing state-of-the art technology including plasma televisions.  While decidedly less flashy, Vitamin Shoppe's forums will seek to achieve the same interaction and to negate some of the competitive threats that others like Bodybuilding.com have been able to achieve without much hard financial investment.

“The online community is a natural extension of the conversations that happen in our stores everyday,” said Lou Weiss, vice president and general manager of Vitamin Shoppe Direct. “Our members are coming together in this community to not only share their experiences, but also to get the unparalleled knowledge and advice that Vitamin Shoppe is known for.”

“Since the boards launched in early August, topics that have been discussed include nutrition, dieting, health conditions, bodybuilding and vitamins,” added Weiss. “New topics are springing up every minute.”

The Vitamin Shoppe online community also has a variety of experts who host discussions and answer questions. Experts include Dave Foreman, an herbal pharmacist, Christiane Rivard, a registered dietitian, and Dave Hawk, former Mr. USA and Mr. World who is a personal trainer and adviser to NFL, NHL, WWE and NASCAR athletes. Additional guest experts will also be added to the boards, according to the company.

The boards can be accessed at www.vsconnect.com or from direct links from www.vitaminshoppe.com, and www.bodytech.com.

The community forum also allows members to develop profiles about their workout, diet and supplementation practices. They can track their progress in an online journal and share that with the community or their friends.

“This is a great part of the solution for people looking to reach their health and fitness goals and share that success with others,” said Weiss. “When faced with dieting or health conditions, people like to connect with others who have been there and can offer their support and guidance.”

Sources:  FigureRX Magazine, Neutraceuticals Online