GNC, Rite Aid Mull 4 Shops for $30 Mil. Assignment

Four undisclosed shops –including three here–are vying for creative duties on a joint venture between General Nutrition Cos. and Rite Aid to be backed by $30 million in ad spending over its first year.
Client representatives will visit the shops this week and may cut to two or three agencies before briefing finalists on a creative assignment, said GNC brand director Robert Packard.
Presentations will be in late March, with a decision shortly thereafter.
Under the 10-year venture, GNC will place outlets in Rite Aid stores, the companies will market a new line of vitamins and nutritional supplements and GNC will be exclusive manufacturer of Rite Aid vitamins.