After 42 years in the Costa Verda Plaza of Jacksonville, Pineapple Post has joined the retailers at Sawgrass Village.
“I feel like this whole new store is like a miracle — a gift from God to us,” said owner and founder Susan Hamilton. Pineapple Post was founded in 1973, and remained in the same Jacksonville Beach location until this month. Hamilton and her staff have been working double-time to get the new store open in time for an event this Saturday — when Vietri brand founder Susan Graveley will visit the new location from 1 to 6 p.m.
Despite the hectic schedule of the move, however, Hamilton has taken time to reflect with friends and family in a unique way: by creating a collaborative logo with a story of faith behind it.
“In all these years, as strong as my faith is and as much as I study the Bible, I never made the connection that the pineapple is a fruit,” Hamilton said. “Someone said to me ‘I love that the pineapple is a fruit and that you’re filled with the fruit of the spirit. I thought that was so beautiful.”
So when Pineapple Post commissioned a new logo for its new location, Hamilton turned to her friend and mosaic artist Raegan Curry to talk about creating a mosaic. Hamilton’s sister in law, Clicker Morgan, is also a mosaic artist – and together, the three decided to create a single pineapple mosaic that will be displayed at the new store.
Since work on the mosaic began, Hamilton has been visited by numerous friends and supporters of all ages who have helped to place pieces of glass and tile into the piece.
“I thought ‘How special if we invited friends and family to come participate in the creation of this?’” Hamilton said. “Everyone has been so encouraging and supportive and excited for this miracle of a new opportunity for us. I felt like this whole piece kind of symbolizes the whole new beginning of the Pineapple Post.”
Hamilton has posted many photos to the business’ Facebook page showing the process and all of the people who have helped support it.
The new store is located across the street from Berkshire Hathaway, Caffe Andiamo, Peterbrooke Chocolatiers, Marcia’s Place and A’Propos. Pineapple Post offers more than 300 lines of personalized stationary, invitations, announcements and cards, tabletop and home décor, ladies accessories and other gifts. Their services include complimentary gift wrap, bridal and gift registries, in-house printing for invitations and stationary, vinyl monograms, personal shoppers, special orders and shipping services.
Hamilton is excited about all of the opportunities that the new location opens up for Pineapple Post.
“I’m so thrilled to be here. It’s going to have such great synergy for us,” she said. “People can just stop in now. We’ll be right here in the midst of everything.”
For more information, visit www.pinteapplepostgifts.com or, to see personalized gift options online, visit www.pineapplepost.ivyandanchor.com. Pineapple Post is located at 280 Village Main St., Suite 900 in Ponte Vedra. Vietri founder Susan Gravely will be at the store on Sat., Nov. 14 from 1 to 6 p.m., and products from the Vietri line, which includes gifts, table settings, Italian dinnerware, flatware and glassware, will be 15 percent off. Call (904) 249-7747.
