An online article from earlier this year indicated that GNC would close up to
900 stores in the USA and Canada as leases expire.
https://www.businessinsider.com/gnc-...-stores-2019-7
Apparently a number of stores are closing in the next few months in both NB and NS, with a particular focus on mall based stores, including the CF Champlain location. High rents are a definite issue.
It appears that Cadillac Fairview was aware that GNC's exit at lease termination was coming, and have been planning accordingly. There is apparently a new tenant ready to move in early next year. The rumour is that it will be a food court type business (not surprising given where GNC is located in the mall), and may be a relocation of another business within the mall (maybe Starbucks, maybe Pretzelmaker/Mrs. Fields).
If Pretzelmaker, this means that all of the CRUs facing the Sobeys store in the mall will be vacant (except Cuts 2000). An opportunity for redevelopment perhaps???