GNC Closing 27 California Stores, Files For Bankruptcy

CALIFORNIA — GNC filed for bankruptcy, and announced plans to close 27 California stores and between 800 to 1,200 stores nationwide.

The closures come after the Pittsburgh-based health supplement giant struggled financially for years, working to pay off debt, GNC said in a statement on its website. Executives were working to refinance the company when the pandemic began.

The pandemic "created a situation where we were unable to accomplish our refinancing," GMC said. "The abrupt change in the operating environment had a dramatic negative impact on our business."

Several CA Retailers Closing Due To Coronavirus

GMC felt Chapter 11 bankruptcy was its best option to stay in business long-term. It plans to focus on stores that see more customers, though shuttering stores may remain open in the meantime.

California stores slated for closure are located in:

• Brawley
• Buena Park
• Burbank
• Carlsbad
• Colton
• Corona
• Emeryville
• Gilroy
• Modesto
• Monrovia
• Monterey
• Palmdale
• Palo Alto
• Rancho Bernardo
• Rancho Cucamonga
• Rancho Mirage
• Red Bluff
• Rocklin
• San Diego
• Santa Ana
• Santa Cruz
• Santa Rosa
• Temecula
• Tracy
• Union City
• West Sacramento
• Yucaipa

Gift cards will retain value and GNC's 30-day return policy is still in effect. No special promotions are forthcoming, the company said.

See the full list of closures here. Read more information from GNC about how bankruptcy will affect its operations here.