People who like to say "you get what you pay for" would probably never have the good fortune of hiring Steve Jorgenson from Home Options closet organization systems. Earlier this year I received quotes for adding laminate organizing systems in two bedrooms and a hall closet. Jorgenson came to the house for a free estimate (all organizers do), but his attention to detail and high-quality computer-assisted drawings made me assume his price would be the highest of the five bids. Instead, it was the lowest, saving me between 20 and 50 percent over other local and national competitors. The installation was flawless.

Home Options offers about 21 finishes and can special-order others, including a greener, low-formaldehyde material. The business is "A" rated on Angie's List for price, quality, responsiveness, punctuality and professionalism. For more information, check out the showroom at 4619 41 1/2 Av. N., Robbinsdale, 763-536-1351, www.closetsite.com. The company works within 60 miles of the Twin Cities.

For a less expensive alternative to laminate, consider wire shelving systems from Menards, Home Depot or Fleet Farm. You can save 11 percent at Menards through Sunday if you send in the receipts for an in-store credit. Home Depot will match the 11 percent discount if you bring in the ad from Sunday's paper. Purchases under $50 get an immediate discount at Home Depot, and purchases above $50 receive a gift card for the 11 percent discount. Fleet Farm will match exact prices on specific items from an ad but not storewide sales.

Big selection for large feet It's the last large-size shoe event at Nordstrom Rack (Mall of America, 952-854-3131, Maple Grove, 763-898-5300) before school starts. Starting Saturday at 9 a.m., each location will have up to 1,000 more pairs of dressy, casual and athletic shoes starting at size 10 1/2 for women and 14 for men. The shoes don't receive additional discounts during the event -- it's the selection that draws the crowds. Anyone who has larger than average feet knows how underwhelming the selection can be at most shoe stores. The Mall of America Rack usually gets more large shoes than the Maple Grove location. The next large-shoe event will be in November.

Extra discounts on flooring The deals through Jack Rubenstein Wholesalers (952-922-4781, www.jlrwholesale.com) on carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile and kitchen cabinets get a little better during the semiannual sale through Saturday. Manufacturers offer additional discounts on nearly half the carpet and flooring stock. Save an extra percentage off everything except countertops. Showrooms are in Bloomington, Plymouth and Oakdale. Call Rubenstein for details.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com.