Bringing the number of new licensees to 36, Great Earth claims the licensing opportunity offers retailers a way to increase profits and support business growth.
'For over 30 years, the Great Earth system has achieved tremendous success by focusing on the value-added benefits of their products, developing relationships with their customers, and avoiding the discount wars that have plagued the industry for the past several years," said the Hicksville-based firm.
The latest agreement includes Akin's Natural Foods Market and it's sister chain Chamberlin's Market & Café. Named 2003 'Retailer of the Year' by Whole Foods magazine, Tulsa-based Akin's operates seven stores in four Great Plains states and an additional seven Chamberlin's Markets and Cafes in Orlando, Florida.
"With Akin's/Chamberlin's, we believe that we have found the right partner for expanding the Great Earth brand into territories that offer tremendous potential," said Bob Weinstein of Great Earth.
Earlier this year, Great Earth announced a nationwide initiative to license its Great Earth brand of products to independent and regional natural products chains. The program calls for qualified retailers to gain access to the 'marketing, visual merchandising and sales support' previously available only to franchise operators of Great Earth Vitamin Stores.
Focusing on education, the staff of all Great Earth licensees will have the opportunity to become 'Certified Dietary Supplement Specialists' through the curriculum of Great Earth's 'Vitamin University', accredited by the Washington, DC-based International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET), said the firm.
The Great Earth line includes vitamins, minerals, herbs and a range of specialty formulas for weight-loss, sports nutrition and heart health.