Native Sun’s Jacksonville Beach location named New Store of the Year

 Native Sun Natural Foods Market’s Jacksonville Beach store, located at 1585 3^rd Street North, has been named the 2016 Best New Store of the Year by New Hope Network, the leading media company in the Natural Products Industry. The award was announced September 23rd at the largest natural products trade show on the East Coast, Natural Products Expo East, held in Baltimore, Maryland.

The newest Native Sun location recently celebrated its first anniversary and the innovative model has put Native Sun in the national spotlight. According to Christine Kapperman with New Hope Network, “Native Sun’s creativity and curation stands out as a model for new natural foods stores across the nation,” and New Hope Network congratulates Native Sun and the city of Jacksonville.

“The Jacksonville Beach neighborhood has embraced our market and has made it their own. We are truly blessed to be a part of their lives.”

The award was presented to Aaron and Erica Gottlieb, who opened the first Native Sun location in the Mandarin neighborhood 20 years ago. As the locally owned grocer grows into more neighborhoods, they continue to “strive to create an inviting environment that becomes the center of food and community,” says owner Aaron Gottlieb. “The Jacksonville Beach neighborhood has embraced our market and has made it their own. We are truly blessed to be a part of their lives.”

Native Sun is Jacksonville’s own natural and organic grocer, having served the local community since 1996. The company operates three locations in Jacksonville, the original Native Sun store at 10000 San Jose Boulevard, their second store at 11030 Baymeadows Road, and their newest location at 1585 3^rd Street North in Jacksonville Beach. All three Native Sun stores are open from 8am to 8pm Monday thru Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

“Native Sun’s creativity and curation stands out as a model for new natural foods stores across the nation.”

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Native Sun’s Jacksonville Beach location, which celebrated its first anniversary on September 19^th, caught the attention of local and national publications with its inventive, neighborhood-focused grocery concept. “The smaller footprint and healthy mix of affordable products has been a differentiator in what is typically a big-box atmosphere and aligns with the needs and feel of the community”, according to Native Sun’s Director of Marketing, Dan Nehring.

In the increasingly competitive new store environment, standing out means creating a shopping experience that customers will return to time and time again. One way that Native Sun’s Jacksonville Beach location brings healthy foods and a great shopping experience to the community, is through the store’s easily accessible deli and dining area. With a centralized seating area where patrons can enjoy food and socialize or get a little work done, the space invites customers to make this a regular shopping destination.