#United States #Secaucus #Vitamin Shoppe #Merchandising #Jack Gayton

The Vitamin Shoppe Elevates Jack Gayton

In a significant leadership change, The Vitamin Shoppe®, recognized as a premier specialty retailer for health and wellness products, has announced the promotion of Jack Gayton to Senior Vice President of Merchandising. The announcement was made on August 24, 2026, and is effective immediately. This pivotal role will see Gayton report directly to Sharon Leite, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, as he leads the merchant and product development team.

Gayton's ascent follows the retirement of Muriel Gonzalez, who held a remarkable retail career for over four decades and has shaped The Vitamin Shoppe’s product strategy significantly. Since joining the company in 2020, Gonzalez has been instrumental in refining the brand’s merchandising tactics and enhancing its proprietary products.

Reflecting on Gayton's appointment, Leite praised him as a merchant with unparalleled instincts and a deep customer understanding. She emphasized his proven track record in identifying the brands and products that are currently trending in the health and wellness sectors. Leite stated, "Jack’s promotion is a recognition of his substantial contributions to our merchandising strategy and his impact on our organization. I am confident in his ability to lead us as we further solidify The Vitamin Shoppe as a go-to destination for high-quality products and innovations."

Joining The Vitamin Shoppe in 2019, Gayton has taken on greater responsibilities within the merchandising team, fostering key relationships with prominent brands, and ensuring that the company remains a leading source for exclusive and first-to-market items. His efforts have positioned the company as an essential player in the wellness space, particularly with top partners including Barebells, Clean Simple Eats, and GHOST.

"The landscape of health, wellness, and sports performance is rapidly evolving, presenting exciting opportunities for The Vitamin Shoppe," Gayton noted. He expressed enthusiasm about leading a capable team of buyers and product developers aiming to create unique product assortments and enhance the company’s private brand offerings.

In conjunction with these changes, David DiTota has also been promoted to Vice President, Divisional Merchandise Manager. DiTota, who brings over 20 years of merchandising experience from national retail and technology sectors, will work alongside Gayton to amplify product assortment opportunities in growing wellness categories.

Sharon Leite lauded Gonzalez’s retirement as a significant loss for the company, highlighting the pivotal role she played in defining its product vision and fostering relationships crucial for future success. With Gonzalez’s guidance, The Vitamin Shoppe has prepared its team for continued innovation and adaptation to changing market demands.

The newly structured merchandising leadership team is set to drive The Vitamin Shoppe’s business goals forward by swiftly adapting to customer needs and collaborating closely with brand partners. This proactive approach aims to introduce distinct products and enriching experiences to customers.

For more information about The Vitamin Shoppe, please visit www.vitaminshoppe.com.

About The Vitamin Shoppe

Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey, The Vitamin Shoppe® operates as an omnichannel specialty retailer dedicated to providing trusted products and guidance that support health at every life stage. Through more than 640 stores nationwide and robust online presence, The Vitamin Shoppe remains committed to delivering a diverse range of vitamins, supplements, and health-related products, including proprietary brands like Vthrive The Vitamin Shoppe® and True Athlete®. The company's mission extends globally, as it collaborates with international markets across Asia and Latin America and participates in community health initiatives.