VITAMIN SHOPPE PLEDGES $300,000 TO VITAMIN ANGELS FOR 2008

The Vitamin Shoppe has recently announced they will double their donation to Vitamin Angels in 2008, impacting more than 1,000,000 children through their participation in Operation 20/20.

“To be able to double our donation in such a short period of time is a true testament to how this charity speaks to our associates and our customers,” said Tom Tolworthy, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe.

This will be the second year that The Vitamin Shoppe will be a platinum sponsor of Vitamin Angels. The Vitamin Shoppe has also committed to be a lead sponsor at the 3rd Annual Celebration of Angels event in October.

“Rarely does a company have the opportunity to associate its charitable giving with an organization so closely aligned with its own mission,” added Tolworthy. “We are thankful for such a mutually gratifying partnership and look forward to the long association of our joint missions.”

In response to the pledge, Founder and President of Vitamin Angels, Howard Schiffer said, “Vitamin Shoppe's leadership in our industry is exemplary. Their dedication to making this world a healthier place is complete, unqualified, and alive at every level within their organization. Vitamin Angels feels lucky to have such a dedicated and committed partner. With Vitamin Shoppe's support we will reach over 7,000,000 children around the world this year.”

Recently, The Vitamin Shoppe recognized their top fundraising stores at their annual product education conference. “The support from our Health Enthusiasts at the store has been overwhelming,” said Marcia Furst, VP of Retail for The Vitamin Shoppe. “Our Mays Landing, NJ store was the number one fundraiser in the company. We’re very proud of all our stores who participated and helped to raise money for this important cause and look forward to our upcoming fundraiser in October.” The Mays Landing, NJ store lead fundraising efforts by raising more than $4,200 in one month.

Vitamin Shoppe is a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of nutritional products based in North Bergen, New Jersey. The company sells vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, herbs, sports nutrition formulas, homeopathic remedies, and other health and beauty aids to customers located primarily in the United States. The company carries national brand products as well as exclusive products under Vitamin Shoppe, BodyTech, MD Select, and VS Basics proprietary brands. The Vitamin Shoppe conducts business through more than 360 company-owned retail stores, national mail order catalogs, and two websites, www.vitaminshoppe.com and www.Bodytech.com.