Join a mob
Supporting small business in Powell River By Isabelle Southcott • isabelle@prliving.ca
T
he look of total surprise on the face of Sean Dees, owner of Breakwater Books, was priceless. An expression of disbelief and confusion with a little bit of “What’s going on here?” could literally be read in his eyes as members of Powell River’s Small Business Cash Mob crowded into his store on a rainy Saturday in June. Cash mob organizer Kathy Pedneault told Sean what was happening as mobsters spread out and began shopping in his store. “We support small business,” Kathy explained. “Everyone here pledges to spend a minimum of $20 in your business today.” Men, women and children browsed the books, checked out gifts and lined up
to purchase tea, coffee and food. More than 40 people enjoyed chatting with old friends and making new ones. At times, the lineup was six or seven deep but no one minded as they were there to shop, support and socialize at the same time. Cash mobs are not unique to Powell River. Stories about them have been published in newspapers all across the province. This recent phenomena is meant to revive community spirit and bring people together in a way that only our ancestors can remember. Kathy’s sister Lori Brown introduced the idea to Powell River after coming across an article about it on the internet.
“Lori phoned me after reading the article and my thoughts went instantly to Village Meats. Owners, Brian and Miranda MacDonald attend Westview Baptist Church with us and are members of our Christian Business Group. We knew they were struggling along with many other local shops and our group had been exploring different ways of bringing awareness to local mom and pop stores and change the way that we shop within our community.” Kathy continued by saying that often people thought their small contribution was not worthy of changing their shopping habits. “When Lori read the article
A gathering mob: Something is afoot outside Breakwater Books! At right, owner Sean Dees reacts to the incoming crowd.
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Powell River Living • july 2012 •
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