Leading U.S.-based vitamin and supplements distributor Vitamin Shoppe (VSI) has gone global. It opened its first international franchise on March 4 in Panama City, Panama, it announced Monday.

The franchise will be operated by Reprico, a Panamanian distributor of pharmaceutical products and hospital products that has pursued health and wellness in the country since its founding in 1948.

As a specialty retailer of nutritional products ranging from vitamins and sports supplements to herbal remedies, beauty aids, and more, the Panamanian Vitamin Shoppe franchise will feature more than 800 products from more than 70 brands, including Vitamin Shoppe's own proprietary brand of products.

Reprico's director of retail stores, Marta Ferrer, said, "Our grandparents were pioneers in Pharmacy in Panama. We are excited to open a store that can help people feel better and live healthier with the best quality products."

The Vitamin Shoppe has more than 600 retail locations across the United States and reported net sales of almost $951 million in 2012.

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