It was raining drizzle all morning, so around noon I got in my car to see some new scenery and passed Hollandberry Pannekoeken, Janky Gear and The Fit Loon on Broadway. (where Nelson Cheese was).

I love seeing new businesses so I came back to work and looked at them all. I knew Janky Gear because Jessica just wrote a story about the outside consignment shop. Hollandberry Pannekoeken has been there a bit, although I only had breakfast there a few weeks ago.

So I knew these two, but what was The Fit Loon? While browsing their social networks, they say,

We prepare delicious energy shakes and teas. how excited we are to help the Rochester community increase energy, fuel a busy lifestyle, lose weight, maintain or gain muscle mass! Stop in for a healthy snack, breakfast or lunch & GOOD VIBES

Then I checked their Instagram, checked in the comments and was surprised to learn that it was an Herbalife storefront.

I could be wrong, but I think this is the first MLM (Multi-level marketing) storefront to open in Rochester. MLM storefronts are a relatively new phenomenon in today’s brick and mortar businesses. Traditionally, an MLM sells directly to the consumer through in-person sales. But over the past 5-10 years, their popularity has exploded.

According to the Columbus Dispatch, there are strict rules about selling Herbalife this way.

… (they) are not permitted to serve as franchises, retailers or official Herbalife restaurants … including prohibiting sellers from advertising that they are offering Herbalife products and recommending that club operators tint their windows.

I have spoken to people who have had negative interactions with such a store, getting a rude response when asked if they use any Herbalife products. That is to say not the case here, as you can see from the Instagram interaction.

Are there other MLM storefronts in Southeast Minnesota? If so, send me a message and let me know. My contact details are a short scroll away.

Is this a big part of Herbalife sales?

The Columbus Dispatch spoke with Humberto Calleja, Herbalife vice president for sales, events and promotions in North America,

Calleja said nutrition clubs accounted for nearly 70% of the company’s annual global sales, which stood at $ 5.5 billion in 2020. More than 70,000 clubs exist globally, including 9,900 in the world. United States. Herbalife is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

As always, if you have a comment, complaint or concern regarding anything I wrote here, please let me know: [email protected]

Speaking of companies …