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SANTA ANA, Calif, Jan 15, 2002--Leading e-commerce solutions provider, Pierpoint-Martin (www.pierpoint-martin.com), announced that it has been selected to develop and operate an e-commerce World Wide Web site by General Nutrition Corp. (GNC) -- GNCGear.com.

The site, launched in October, features more than 2,000 fitness-related products including fitness equipment, videos, books, magazines and a first for GNC, fitness footwear.

Pierpoint-Martin will utilize its proprietary e-commerce technology and infrastructure to provide site design and hosting, customer service, order processing, order fulfillment and merchandising for the e-commerce site.

"As the largest specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, GNC clearly has the resources to build their e-commerce operations in-house," said Pierpoint-Martin Vice President Ed Gaut. "With our existing infrastructure, technology and experience to maximize their online business, we're delighted with their decision in selecting Pierpoint-Martin to build and maintain the GNCGear.com site."

GNC is only the latest in a string of companies to turn to Pierpoint-Martin for help boosting e-commerce revenue. Pierpoint-Martin now runs e-commerce operations for more than a dozen companies from magazine publisher Women's Fitness International to apparel maker T. Micheal Bodywear.

In doing so, Pierpoint-Martin has consistently shown an ability to find profits even in a tough e-commerce environment and in spite of the plunge seen in brick-and-mortar retail establishments this holiday season. Pierpoint-Martin saw an increase in same-site holiday sales of 22% over the previous year.

"We are proof," said Gaut, "that, with the right vision, knowledge and technology, e-commerce can and should be profitable."

About Pierpoint-Martin

Pierpoint-Martin (www.pierpoint-martin.com) is an e-commerce outsource solutions provider. Pierpoint-Martin runs e-commerce operations, including site design, merchandising, inventory, order fulfillment and customer service, for major consumer product manufacturers, retailers and media companies under exclusive, long-term agreements.

About General Nutrition Corp.

General Nutrition Companies Inc. (GNC), based in Pittsburgh, is the largest nationwide specialty retailer of vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, sports nutrition as well as personal care and related products.
GNC operates more than 5,300 retail outlets throughout the United States, including 1,360 domestic franchise locations and 26 foreign markets, including Canada and Mexico. GNC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Numico N.V., a worldwide market leader in specialized nutrition that includes infant and clinical nutrition and nutritional supplements.