Last modified Wed., September 13, 2006 - 02:58 PM
Originally created Thursday, September 14, 2006

N'EXpress holds grand re-opening

By MC3 David Didier, Special Contributor

The N'EXpress held a grand re-opening on Sept. 7. Cutting the ceremonial ribbon are from left: Navy Exchange General Manager Bill Hockenberry, N'EXpress Store Supervisor Cecie Bennett, Chris Ingham, who came up with the new name for the store and NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson. Photo by MC3 David Didier

The NAS Jacksonville Navy Exchange (NEX) N'EXpress held a grand re-opening ceremony Sept. 7. Formerly known as The Outpost it has undergone many changes in the past few weeks.

The new name was chosen from hundreds of entries submitted at the NEX during the renovation process. The winner, Chris Ingham won a $50 gift certificate to the NEX. Ingham is a military family member who recently enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program.

The ''new'' store features a breakfast bar, increased floor space, new shelving and more beverage coolers.

''The N'EXpress renovation gives our customers a greater selection of merchandise. We added a self-service delicatessen and all new refrigerator units which allow us to stock a larger variety of items. The store is much more aesthetically pleasing,'' said N'EXpress Store Supervisor Cecie Bennett.

N'EXpress Cashier Akeem Jackson helps a customer as she purchases numerous items at the N'EXpress. The N'EXpress was recently renovated with new flooring, shelving and refrigerators. Photo by MC3 David Didier

''The new store is bigger and better,'' said OS2(SW) Marilyn Dortch of Transient Personnel Unit Jax, who visited the store the day before the grand opening.

As an added bonus, Champion Brands has donated a Kawasaki Ninja 250 as a giveaway prize in celebration of the grand reopening. The winner will be announced Oct. 2. Patrons can enter to win at the N'EXpress.

''I think it's important to let people know that if they are at the marina or golfing on the weekend they can always come here to the N'EXPRESS and get some last minute needs,'' said Bill Hocken-berry NEX general manager.

The N'EXpress has been completely renovated to better meet their patron's needs.

Not only was the store renovated, but it also has new hours of operation to accommodate N'EXpress customers. The new hours are: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.