NORTH BERGEN, N.J., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (NYSE: VSI), a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of nutritional products, today announced that it has reached an important milestone with the opening of its 500th store.  This store, which opened on April 18, 2011, is located at 338 Mid Rivers Center Drive, St. Peters, Missouri, and is Vitamin Shoppe's first store in this market and third in the state.  The Vitamin Shoppe stores offer selection and value to customers by providing a broad selection of national and private label brands.  In addition, the store's Health Enthusiasts serve as a valuable resource for its customers, caring about their health and wellness needs and offering extensive knowledge about vitamins, supplements and sports nutrition.

Commenting on the milestone, Tony Truesdale, the company's Chief Executive Officer, said, "The opening of our 500th store is an extremely important event and a rewarding accomplishment that our entire company can be proud of.  The community's commitment to health and wellness make the city an ideal location for The Vitamin Shoppe and we are very excited to have our 500th store in this market." Mr. Truesdale, further commented, "There are many markets we are interested in establishing a presence in, and we will continue to move forward with our growth plans to expand in current markets and penetrate new ones."

About Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (NYSE: VSI)

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, green living products, and health and beauty aids to customers located primarily in the United States. The Company carries national brand products as well as exclusive products under the Vitamin Shoppe, MD Select, and VS Basics proprietary brands. The Vitamin Shoppe conducts business through 500 Company-owned retail stores, national mail order catalogs, and websites, www.VitaminShoppe.com and www.EcoShoppe.com, and has a social community site at www.VSconnect.com.

SOURCE Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.