The Charleston region’s life sciences/pharmaceuticals sector has added a new player, Fitness First USA, a division of parent company, A&Z Pharmaceutical, Inc. Fitness First USA is a 20-year old brand originally established in Portsmouth, NH. A&Z Pharma will be relocating the business into Charleston County and expanding its operation with a flagship retail and e-commerce distribution facility in Mount Pleasant at 547 Long Point Road, Suite 102. The public grand opening event is Saturday, June 3.
The company’s initial first year investment is $600,000 and the hiring of 10 new jobs. Additional local growth and investment is anticipated. The company considered expanding in New York City, before deciding to locate its Flagship store in Mount Pleasant, SC.
Fitness First USA is a one stop Health and Wellness Center with a retail store offering vitamins, supplements, fitness products, digestion aids & superfoods, holistic products, personal care items, children’s products, healthy food, snacks & drinks, accessories, and apparel. The education center will offer yoga classes, personal training and wellness seminars (focused on a range of topics from nutrition to meditation), and a Tasting Bar with smoothies/juices using supplements sold in store. The company is developing partnerships with both the local health & wellness and military community. For the past 20 years, Fitness First products have been shipped worldwide. One of its largest customer bases is U.S. troops deployed and stationed abroad.
Fitness First is the second company to locate here as part of South Carolina Department Commerce’s and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s Landing Pad program, which is designed to help established companies enter this market for the first time. It simplifies what could be an overwhelming experience, minimizing risks, and guiding them through the process.
“Our goal at Fitness First USA is to help our customers achieve lasting health and wellness. We are very excited to open our first retail store and e-commerce facility in beautiful Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, a location known for abundant wellness activities and health-focused, active residents. Charleston is a perfect community and market to build our brand.” – Kevin McCourt, V.P. of Sales & Marketing, A&Z Pharmaceutical, Inc.
“We’re excited to celebrate this announcement by Fitness First USA, as well as the continued growth of South Carolina’s new Landing Pad program. Announced last year, this program is critical toward ensuring that our state provides the most welcoming environment possible for businesses from all corners of the globe.” – Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“Charleston County is proud to welcome A&Z Pharmaceutical, Inc.’s brand to the region with the opening of Fitness First USA. Our community has once again proven that our business-minded environment and unmatched quality of life create an ecosystem that meets the needs of growing, innovative companies.” – Charleston County Council Chairman Victor Rawl
“We’re delighted to welcome Fitness First USA to Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant is committed to a healthful citizenry in both physical well-being and in economic opportunity.” – Mount Pleasant Mayor Linda Page
“Fitness First USA and its parent company, A&Z Pharmaceutical, are welcome new assets to our community. We look forward to their continued growth and success. This was a seamless team effort, and the region’s healthy lifestyle, great weather, and business-friendly climate made all the difference.” – Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chair Todd Gallati
About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance is a professional economic development organization representing Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties in South Carolina. With a large and growing network of business, academic and governmental partners, the CRDA directly assists companies with competitive location or expansion projects by connecting them with the right people, the appropriate resources and the most meaningful and relevant information. The CRDA promotes the Charleston region’s business, academic, and lifestyle strengths worldwide to attract the world’s best companies, entrepreneurs and professional talent. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen regional employment, build our base of high-value industries, and significantly improve the economic future for all who live and work in the greater Charleston area.