(a) In consideration of the obligations contained in the letter dated December     , 2015 to which this Release is attached (the “ December 2015 Letter ”) and for other valuable consideration, Richard Markee (“ you ”), for yourself, your heirs, dependents, legal representatives, executors, administrators and assigns), hereby release and forever discharge Vitamin Shoppe Industries Inc. (the “ Company ”) and Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (the “Parent”) and their respective subsidiaries, affiliates and divisions, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, agents, administrators, trustees, employee benefit plans and assigns (in their official and individual capacities) (collectively, the “ Released Parties ”) from any and all claims, liabilities, causes of action, demands or rights of any kind (including without limitation for general, special or punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and other compensation and/or equitable remedy), known or unknown, fixed or contingent, which have arisen at any time up to and including the date of execution of this Release arising during or in any manner out of your employment and the termination of your employment with the Company or your service as a Director of the Company and Parent (the “ Claims ”).