From lingerie to bolts, fans to mosaic tiles, Snelling is the place to shop

IN COLLABORATION WITH WARD 4 OFFICE AND HAMLINE MIDWAY COALITION

“This content is part of an ongoing series promoting local businesses—starting with Snelling Ave. It was produced collaboratively by the Ward 4 office and Hamline Midway Coalition.”

Hamline Hardware Hank

Hamline Hardware Hank has been a community fixture at 755 Snelling Ave. N. for 89 years. Today, the Gildner family—Jon, Matt, Jim and Jan—works hard to ensure the shop maintains its community focus by serving neighbors and local businesses with a personal touch that sets them apart from other big box home supply retailers.

From small engine repair, a rental center, window and screen repair and much more, Hamline Hardware Hank has what you need for your latest home project or repairs. They are a TORO Dealer, carry Weber grills and more. They also offer pickup and delivery services. Whether you need a key copied or paint mixed, Hamline Hardware Hank is your one-stop neighborhood shop.

Jon Gildner says his favorite thing about owning a business is “helping members of the community solve problems.” When his family purchased the business six years ago, they doubled the inventory and added more than 150 different rental tools and equipment. “The store is completely remodeled, cleaned and stocked,” he says, for those who have yet to stop in.

The family is continuing to expand and grow the business, adding new inventory and improved services every week, and they look forward to continuing to serve the Midway community for years to come.

“We consider ourselves a neighborhood store and would like to thank the community for supporting us and helping us grow over the last five years,” Jon Gildner said.

Great Fans and Blinds

As a family run business, Great Fans and Blinds has been providing area customers with ceiling fans, lighting, and window treatments for 27 years from its catching storefront at 678 Snelling Ave. N.

Their favorite thing about the business is providing their customers with the customer service and knowledge they just can’t get anywhere else, say Don and Nick Curtis.

As the fan that turns in the breeze high above the street on the exterior of their building, Owners Don and Nick Curtis hope the turning face of Snelling Ave. this summer will help usher in a new era for both the communities and businesses alike along this vital corridor.

“ hope for the future of Snelling Ave. is that it will provide a new, improved look and that it will serve its community well into the future,” they say.

Mosaic on a Stick

Mosaic on a Stick has been on Snelling Ave. for ten years though they more recently moved to their wonderful space in the Hamline Park building at 1564 Lafond Ave. This business provides mosaic art supplies and classes, as well as an art gallery and community art space. Owner Lori Greene’s favorite part of her business is her customers and community.

“We try to make our community a more beautiful place to live, through community and public art projects,” Greene says. “Everyone is welcome, we strive to inspire people around ideas about art and community.”

Her hopes for Snelling Ave. are that it becomes more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. One surprising tidbit about Mosaic on a Stick is that they always have free projects for children.

Flirt Boutique

Flirt Boutique at 177 Snelling Ave. N. has been at its current location for six years. They are an elegant lingerie shop and offer free bra fittings. Owner Jessica Gerard loves how happy Flirt makes her customers and enjoys providing excellent customer service.

Flirt carries a wide range of sizes and prices. Bras range from A-E cups and 30-38 bands, prices start at $48 and go up to $132. They carry lines from all over the world with some only being available in Minnesota at Flirt.

Money spent at Flirt stays in the community! Flirt gives silent auction donations to 35-40 community groups (churches, schools, etc.) each year. Gerard’s hope for Snelling Ave. is that traffic slows down so that the charming corner of Snelling and Selby can be enjoyed rather than avoided.