GNC to offer drone delivery
GNC is reinventing its retail roadmap by finding new and innovative ways to get consumers the health and wellness products they need.
Recently, the company shared that it is partnering with Zipline, a company specializing in autonomous delivery, to offer fully electronic drone delivery in select markets.
“Partnering with Zipline is propelling GNC to the cutting edge in the retail category,” said Alan Chester, chief supply chain officer at GNC. “Drone delivery is an innovative way to make our fulfillment, distribution, and delivery processes more efficient, more effective, and faster, ultimately benefiting our consumers. We’re excited for this initial test in one U.S. market while considering domestic expansion.”
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Beginning with Salt Lake City, GNC will work with Zipline to offer efficient and fast product deliveries that lower its carbon footprint per order. The company said.
“The addition of Zipline's drone delivery within our omnichannel mix allows GNC to continue to optimize its transportation and distribution network for efficiencies,” Chester continued. “It lightens the burden on our dual distribution centers by leveraging the store-fulfillment model during which our expert coaches package the products and have Zipline deliver them. Plus, by fulfilling orders with products that are already nearby, we can get purchases to consumers faster.”
In Utah, the retailer will begin offering this delivery option by leveraging Zipline’s Platform 1 long-range system, which consists of a small fleet of fixed-wing autonomous aircrafts that operate quietly and release packages with parachutes to customers’ yards.
“Zipline is faster, more convenient and better for the environment than traditional automotive delivery. We provide the best delivery experience not on earth for consumers and businesses of any size and industry,” said Irene Scher, senior vice president of U.S. go-to-market at Zipline. “We’re excited for GNC customers to use Zipline to achieve their wellness goals in a far more convenient way than before.”
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Beginning in 2024, GNC will use the Platform 2 system, which is designed for urban delivery.