My beloved, local hardware store–yes I do mean beloved–emailed me an offer I just can’t refuse. This is the place I can find everything I need for my old house and then some. They are the romantic Five and Dime for the DIY set. I should only visit them with a list and just enough cash to cover the listed items, otherwise, I’ll spend double the amount I intended.

And no, it’s not Target.

It’s…Frattallone’s Ace Hardware!

Their idea:  offering free lawnmower storage with the purchase of spring mower tune-up

Why it’s brilliant:  The two Frattallone’s on Grand Avenue in St. Paul (yes TWO!) are surrounded by small turn-of-the-last-century houses. These not-so-big houses have teeny, tiny garages in a city where it’s nice to keep your car off the street in the winter.

The consumer problem they solve:  Safe storage for your lawnmower where it’s not in the way of your car, snow shovels, snow blower, golf clubs, and bicycles.

Their big win:  Revenue and reservations for the busy lawnmower tune up season.