INDUSTRY NEWS: GNC and PetSmart Partner to Launch New Line of Pet Vitamins and Supplements

GNC USA and PetSmart have partnered up to launch a line of dietary pet supplements, which will be made available in fall 2010. This partnership is a testament to the growing interest and need for natural dietary supplements and health products in the pet care category. For more on what's new and hot in the Pet Care category, check out the upcoming issue of ihr magazine.

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GNC and PetSmart Partner to Launch New Line of Pet Vitamins and Supplements

PHOENIX, May 11, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- PetSmart(R) /quotes/comstock/15*!petm/quotes/nls/petm (PETM 33.56, +0.62, +1.88%) and General Nutrition Centers, Inc. (GNC) are launching a unique line of dietary supplements designed for dogs and cats. This new line will be made exclusively for PetSmart and available at PetSmart and www.petsmart.com beginning in the fall of 2010.

The GNC and PetSmart partnership recognizes that pet parents want balanced nutrition for their pets, just as they do for themselves. Like people, pets have unique dietary needs depending on their stage in life, and vitamins and supplements can support growth for young pets and provide enhanced nutrition for aging ones.

"These specially-formulated supplements will give our pet parents another unique offering to help them keep their pets healthy and happy and another reason to shop our stores," said Matt McAdam, Vice President of Merchandising. "Working with GNC, the leader in dietary supplements, gives us the opportunity to offer pets and pet parents a superior nutritional product."

GNC Executive Vice President Tom Dowd says the impetus to create the supplements came from customers who repeatedly requested quality products for their pets. "The new pet vitamins represent a true consumer-driven innovation -- we saw the need first-hand in our own stores," explains Dowd. "With PetSmart's expertise in pet care and excellent retail capabilities, we knew they were the ideal partner to join us in this venture."

Both companies view the partnership as a strategic, long-term opportunity that sets them apart in the industry. "The vitamins are a one-of-a-kind product backed by two well-established, trusted brands that emphasize to pet parents why PetSmart is their total pet care resource," said McAdam.

SOURCE: Wall Street Journal MarketWire