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Vermillion gas station is known for holiday pop-up shop

Every year, the family-run convenience store is filled with holiday ornaments and gifts.

There are some of us who love the holidays so much, we can't get enough of it.

That describes one Minnesota family in Vermillion. They love seeing people happy during the Holidays.

"We try to know you by name. We say 'Thank you' and yeah lots of smiles," Milinda Lohmann said.

She and her family own Vermillion Pump and Market. It's known for its cheap gas, typical road snacks and equipment for your car.

"The loyalty of the customers is just awesome," Lohmann said.

About 18 years ago, Donald and Mary Frandrup bought the former grocery store and turned it into a gas station with a convenience store. It's been run by the same family ever since then.

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But over the years, people have come to shop here for the Christmas spectacle.

"The potato chips gets moved over there and this gets overpowered by Christmas," said co-owner Maureen Werner, pointing out the added shelves of decorations for sale.

It started with a simple Christmas tree in 2003, and ever since the holiday offerings have grown to crowd the store.

The family places their orders every year starting in January and what you see in the store later that year is the only thing in stock. Some people go to the convenience store just to buy Christmas gifts.

So, while it looks like your average gas station, walk inside and you'll get your fill of a winter wonderland. And you'll notice the pride this family has for its store.

"When you start something you had no idea what you're getting into and I don't know, you love the customers, and they love you," Lohmann said.

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