Blacksburg’s Homebody hosts first cash mob

Homebody owner Margaret Breslau talks with cash mob participants Thursday evening. Photo by Mike Shaw | The Burgs.

BLACKSBURG – Nearly 30 “cash-mobbers” met at Market Square Park Thursday evening to kick off the first-ever Blacksburg Cash Mob.

Laureen Blakemore, director of Downtown Blacksburg Inc., announced the mob would be heading to Homebody for shopping and then to The Cellar to share a celebratory meal.

Cash Mobs are designed to encourage people to go into small, local businesses and spend their money, en masse, to give the business owner a little bit of economic stimulus, according to the Cash Mob website.

Margaret Breslau, owner of Homebody, said the store earned nearly $600 in one hour.

“This was fantastic,” Breslau said. “Especially because it’s March and the students are on break.”

Homebody sells 100 percent sweatshop-free and fair trade items. Breslau said recycled material items and jewelry were her two biggest sellers during the cash mob.

Blakemore said Cash Mobs will help local business owners during breaks when students aren’t on campus. Small businesses in Blacksburg could use the boost and the locals are here to help, she added.

In addition to the quick boost small businesses like Homebody will receive, Blakemore hopes the Cash Mobs will expose “mobbers” to stores they might not have normally visited.

“We have other local business owners here for the Cash Mob,” Blakemore said.

Breslau said she’s encouraged to see other business owners supporting her business.

Among the group of shoppers were two friends from Christiansburg who purchased soap and buttons.

“This really opens up people’s eyes to our local culture and community,” Heather Rorvick said.

Rorvick’s shopping buddy, Alaina Gelbert, thought the mob was a great way to socialize with other community members.

“I’m not a student and I’m not a parent, so I don’t have too many other ways to meet people,” Gelbert said.

Whatever the reason for participating in the cash mob, business owners in Blacksburg are excited about the opportunity to share their services with the community.

“All downtown retail businesses have something unique to offer,” Breslau said. “People are always pleased to find something different. It’s a good opportunity for them to rediscover downtown.”

Blacksburg’s next Cash Mob will be held on March 24, which is National Cash Mob Day. For more information about the next cash mob, visit www.downtownblacksburg.com.

Learn more about Blacksburg’s Cash Mob here.

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