The Galion Cash Mob, a group of community members that have banded together to support local businesses, is into its third year and going strong. The group meets monthly to “mob” a local establishment by spending at least $20 per person.
Organizer Cathy Moneysmith said Cash Mob gets people to places they have never been. She frequently hears “mobbers” say they didn’t know the store existed. Moneysmith also noted that she had advertised in many different venues, but found that Facebook was the place everyone seemed to get their information.
“Mobber” Darlene Jerman said she enjoys the Cash Mob because it gives her freedom to spend $20 or more each month to help support a local business. “It’s like a gift certificate!” she exclaimed.
Jerman, of Lexington, and her sister, Susan Williams of Marion, use Cash Mob as a reason to get together in their hometown of Galion and enjoy the day together.
Moneysmith said it’s surprising that some of the members haven’t been to many of the businesses in Galion, even though many have been in business for years. “We had fun at KC’s Aquaworld,” said Moneysmith, though for many of the “mobbers” it was their first visit to the store.
She said the group tries to shop at any new business. Sometimes businesses stay open later for the group.
Each Cash Mob member receives a membership card that is punched each time they attend. After five punches the member is eligible for a gift drawing. October’s gift bag included items from Phil’s Deli, Poland’s True Value Hardware, and Deja-Vu. Drawings are held every two months and prizes are donated by businesses that Cash Mob has visited.
Members, as well as those interested in joining, meet at Galion Square Gazebo at noon on the third Saturday of the month. Once there the group finds out which business will be mobbed.
“Cash Mob meets through December and then takes January through March off,” said Moneysmith, “because of inclement weather.”
In October, Cash Mob visited Field and Shield, owned by Tammy and Mickey Bocka. The business has been open for 4 ½ years. Fifteen Cash Mobbers were able to attend.
Field and Shield offers hunting gear, guns, tools for bullet making, and more.
“I’m a gun guy,” said Mickey Bocka. “As a small business we’re a home based – in an ag zone – limited to what we can do. People don’t understand. We can’t afford to hire help to watch the store.”
Mickey Bocka said he loves the business and especially loves to barter.
Tammy Bocka said she appreciates the Cash Mob, “It’s nice for us. They are going to tell others about our store.”
In November, the Cash Mob visited Couture Topia, a boutique featuring fashion clothing and accessories, owned by Amie Hoff.
Hoff started the business as a hobby. She noted, “My heart’s in Galion. This is a unique town and great little community.”
Hoff gets support from neighboring businesses: Rachel’s Hair Design and Poland’s True Value Hardware. She said teens love to come in and browse, as well as moms looking for a gift for their daughters.
Hoff runs the business “because it’s fun.” She has a growing customer base. Recently, a woman told her she was in Mansfield shopping for three hours for a dress for a wedding and found exactly what she wanted in Couture Topia.
The next Cash Mob will be Saturday, Dec. 20. Interested parties are encouraged to meet at the gazebo at noon to find out which shop will be mobbed. To find out more about Galion Cash Mob visit their Facebook page.
