Cash Mob Puts Focus on Local Businesses

ST. PETERSBURG – As the recession hit, mom and pop stores were hit hardest. In order to give locally owned and operated shops a boost LocalShops1.com and Awake Pinellas have come together to create Cash Mobs in St. Petersburg. 

Cash Mobs are a way to give back to local businesses and to help generate buzz about the importance of shopping locally to support the economy where you live, work and and go to school.

According to the group, studies show that of every dollar spent at a local business, about 70 cents stays local.

Of every dollar spent at a national corporation, less than 40 cents stays local.

“The Cash Mob is a way to put money directly into the community,” says Craig Glaser, project manager for Awake Pinellas. “It’s a way to support Main Street America."

On Saturday, Jan. 28, 15 people gathered on the corner of Central Avenue and 29th Street to surprise a local business with a Cash Mob. The "Mob" asks participating members to spend at least $10 at the establishment to help infuse local dollars into local businesses. 

"It’s to draw attention to the movement," said Mo Venouziou of LocalShops1.com. "People don’t always think they have options locally."

Saturday's Cash Mob surprised local business, the Craftsman House. 

Jeff Schorr, owner of the Craftsman House, said Cash Mobs are a great way to help local businesses. 

"We are little more event driven here," Schorr said. "We do not have a huge amount of walk-by traffic. But the whole shop local thing is great. Keeping money in the community instead (of sending it) to big box stores."

The Craftman House is an art gallery, studio and cafe at 2955 Central Ave., in the heart of the Grand Central District. 

"It's a great idea; getting like-minded people together to get people educated on the benefits of shopping local," Schorr added. "Especially in these times when budgets are getting cut, it makes sense to keep the money in the community."

The first Cash Mob, also organized by LocalShops1.com and Awake Pinellas, brought about 20 shoppers to Haslam’s Bookstore in St. Petersburg on Jan. 14.

“As an independent commercial building owner, it’s important that locally owned, independent businesses become the center of commerce,” says Walter Dill, owner of Freehold Partners, after attending the first Cash Mob.

Fore more information on future shop local events, visit LocalShops1.com.