Vitamin retailer GNC has announced the closure of its distribution center in Phoenix, a decision that will result in the loss of approximately 66 jobs. The shutdown is set to take place as operations at the facility wind down by March 2026. Employees and local businesses are now preparing for the consequences of this significant move.
The closure was formally documented in a state WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) filing, which identifies the site as the “GNC Distribution Center” located at 1002 S 63rd Ave. The notice was submitted to the Arizona Department of Economic Security on January 7, 2024, highlighting the impact on the workforce connected to the facility.
According to a statement provided to the Phoenix Business Journal, GNC is consolidating its distribution strategy to focus on a single hub, leading to the elimination of all positions associated with the Phoenix warehouse. This decision reflects a broader trend within the logistics sector, where companies are increasingly streamlining operations to cope with rising costs and fluctuating demand.
Wider Logistics Context
The closure of the GNC distribution center is part of a larger wave of WARN filings and facility shutdowns that have been affecting logistics and manufacturing industries across the United States this winter. Industry analysts, as noted by FreightWaves, attribute this trend to various factors, including heightened operating expenses, loss of contracts, and surplus capacity. These challenges have prompted businesses to consolidate their regional distribution networks and reduce their warehouse footprints.
Support for Affected Workers
For the approximately 66 employees who will be impacted by this closure, several state and local programs are ready to offer support. Individuals affected can access rapid-response services, job-search assistance, and training through local resources such as ARIZONA@WORK career centers and Maricopa County workforce initiatives. The ARIZONA@WORK Maricopa County site provides information on workshops, hiring events, and job fairs aimed at helping displaced workers secure new employment.
Upcoming events include resume workshops and job fairs designed to connect those affected with potential employers, emphasizing the community’s commitment to supporting workers during this transition.
As GNC prepares to close its Phoenix operations, the ramifications of this move extend beyond just the job losses, affecting the local logistics landscape and highlighting ongoing challenges within the industry.