Considered one of the first health food stores in the nation, Martindale’s Natural Market in Springfield is celebrating its longevity with a month’s worth of customer-centric activities, writes Peg DeGrassa for the Delaware County News Network.

The events culminate with Customer Appreciation Day on May 4 that will include a limited amount of free t-shirts and reusable shopping bags, complimentary Kombucha bags to the first 150 customers, and a 10 percent discount on most the store’s products.

Martindale’s sells organic, local, fair trade, and ethically sourced and processed natural foods and products.

“We offer that extra level of service, more than people are used to these days,” said Mark Stayton, co-owner and sales manager. “Our staff takes time to educate and talk with our customers about the products they are purchasing.”

Established in 1869 by Thomas Martindale as a food store in Oil City, Pa., the business relocated to Center City Philadelphia in 1876 for the Centennial. His son, Thomas C. Martindale, joined the store at the turn of the century, importing dietetic foods from England for upper-class clientele.

By the 1930s, Martindale’s had a thriving health food section with a popular juice bar. In 1971, the store relocated to Springfield in the Olde Sproul Shopping Village, where it currently resides.

Read more about Martindale’s Natural Market from the Delaware County News Network by clicking here.

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