BOCA RATON, Fla., March 12, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vitacost.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:VITC), a leading online retailer and direct marketer of health and wellness products, today launched a new content initiative designed to further engage Vitacost.com customers. Vitacost.com's website, www.vitacost.com, now hosts videos and blogs written by industry-leading experts in endurance training, bodybuilding, sexuality, yoga, gluten-free living, and organic and dietetic cooking. In addition, the company recently launched two new websites: health and wellness site Wellness Times (www.wellnesstimes.com), which features cutting-edge, expert-authored editorial content about natural health, and Momonomics (www.momonomics.com), a fun online destination where busy moms can unwind and interact. Both of these sites, which have direct links back to the Vitacost e-commerce site, more deeply engage Vitacost customers with original content, advice and entertainment.
"We are excited about the caliber and diversity of Vitacost.com's new content experts," said David Zucker, Ph.D., Chief Marketing Officer for Vitacost.com, "By creating new opportunities to engage, educate and entertain our customers, we are developing a more meaningful relationship with the people who shop at Vitacost.com."
Vitacost.com has partnered with the following experts:
- "Dr. Oz Show" and "The Today Show" regular guest chef Angela Shelf Medearis, who is creating a "Kitchen Diva!" recipe blog and cooking videos exclusively for Vitacost.com's customer base of health-conscious consumers. The recipes feature ingredients sold on Vitacost.com. Medearis, author of "The Kitchen Diva's Diabetic Cookbook" and many other cookbooks as well as children's books, also will provide recipes and expert advice for Vitacost's growing base of customers living with diabetes.
- The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness has partnered with Vitacost.com to provide original content about living the gluten-free lifestyle, including recipes and advice, and information about celiac disease. NFCA's mission is to drive diagnoses and improve the quality of life for those affected by celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders.
- Stephen Holt, M.D., a distinguished professor of medicine (emeritus) and medical practitioner in New York state, is serving as Vitacost's medical and wellness advisor to ensure the quality and accuracy of the health content. The founder of the Holt Institute of Medicine and a recipient of five doctorates, Dr. Holt is a best-selling author who has published more than 20 books, in addition to many peer-reviewed medical papers. He has held many leadership positions in national and international medical societies, and has advised the United States government through the Institute of Medicine in Washington, D.C., on wellness initiatives for the new millennium.
- Erotic romance novelist and mother of three Abigail Blank is writing her "Bombshell Mommy" blog exclusively for Vitacost.com. Blank, whose novel "Frozen Heart" will be published by Inkspell Publishing in August under the pen name "Annabelle Blume," is sharing her experiences about keeping marriage and sex interesting despite the everyday bustle of motherhood, and will be highlighting the variety of sexual health products sold through Vitacost.com to inspire other women to enjoy more sensual private lives.
- Taylor Wells, who owns Prana Power Yoga, Inc. and is a United Nations Yoga Peace Ambassador as well as a blogger for the Boston Herald, will be writing about yoga practice, eating healthfully, and what it's like to be a "super-mom" to her five children.
- Top-ranked triathletes Amy and Brandon Marsh are developing content for "Team Marsh: Ask the Triathletes," a blog that answers Vitacost customers' questions about training regimens and nutrition. Amy and Brandon are currently training for the Ironman Championship Series, with the goal of competing in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Vitacost is the Official Supplement Online Retailer of Ironman.
- Kevin Mackinnon, Managing Editor of Ironman.com, triathlete coach and winner of local and international triathlon and duathlon races, will be serving as an expert reviewer of Vitacost.com supplements that support the vigorous lifestyles of endurance athletes.
- International Federation of BodyBuilders Men's Physique pro athlete Deniz Duygulu, the first-ever USA Championships winner in his division, is also among Vitacost's roster of sports nutrition experts. Deniz, who won the Men's Physique Overall at the 2011 National Physique Committee competition, will be providing videos demonstrating correct form as well as advice on fueling effectively.
- Southern States Championships top contender Melissa Transou, a figure competitor, wife and mother, will be blogging about the unique sports nutrition needs of female athletes.
- Fitness model Jennifer Nicole Lee, author of "The Fun Fit Foodie Cookbook," is filming demos and live-tweeting recipes and fitness tips to be broadcast on Vitacost.com later this month—an appearance sponsored by BSN, whose sports nutrition products are available through Vitacost.
Future partnerships with content experts in the fields of beauty, pets, and other topics, are expected to be announced later this year.
The new expert and editorial content on Vitacost.com, as well as Wellness Times and Momonomics.com, is being managed by Jorie Green Mark, author of "Bride in Overdrive: A Journey Into Wedding Insanity and Back," and a former WeddingChannel.com blogger and seasoned editor. Mark, who joined Vitacost in January, has been tasked with establishing a branded tone and editorial style for the company.
"We believe our new content initiative, designed to be entertaining, relevant and informative, will enhance the overall Vitacost brand experience," said Jeffrey Horowitz, Chief Executive Officer for Vitacost.com. "In addition to great products at affordable prices, we are pleased to offer consumers the information they need to live a healthier life. Our goal is to build loyalty among our existing customers and capture the interest of new prospects."
About Vitacost.com, Inc.
Vitacost.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:VITC) is a leading online retailer and direct marketer of health and wellness products, including dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and other botanicals, amino acids and metabolites, as well as cosmetics, organic body and personal care products, pet products, sports nutrition and health foods. Vitacost.com, Inc. sells these products directly to consumers through its website, www.vitacost.com. Vitacost.com, Inc. strives to offer its customers the broadest selection of healthy living products, while providing superior customer service and timely and accurate delivery.