There is a hardware store in my neighborhood that harkens back to a day when hardware stores had well-worn wooden floors and a staff that knew something about how to fix everything.

Kevin and Kathy Euston are second generation owners of a type of small business that has, for the most part, gone away.

So, what’s kept Euston Hardware going? Innovation and the ability to change. It’s the same thing that helps millions of small businesses survive.

Get close to your customer and find out how to keep them coming back.

First, Euston Hardware added a tool and equipment rental business. This step allowed them to bring something into a urban neighborhood that the chains couldn’t

This week, Kevin tells me, they officially launched – NeighborhoodHardware.com – an online hardware store with over 3000 items. Another revenue stream and the ability to appeal to millions of online shoppers who, like me, love to support the local small business.

You know you want that 19 volt cordless drill!