(Le Mars) –The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce held its first ever “cash mob” earlier today, and the selected business chosen from a drawing Le Mars mayor Dick Kirchoff was the Rust Western Shop. Within minutes of the announcement, approximately 55 people converged upon the Rust Western Shed and started purchasing items. Store owner Bob Rust says he was skeptical about the idea when first approached, saying he didn’t really understand how the program would work.
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Rust recalls the events prior to the mob of people entering his store.
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Rust says he’s appreciative of the people’s support, but he adds that it’s more important that and the people show their support for all downtown businesses.
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Le Mars Main Street Coordinator Mary Reynolds says she was pleased with the turnout, especially since this was the first “cash mob” for the Chamber and since the idea is still new.
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Many of the people that participated in the cash mob were women, and Reynolds says she spoke with some shoppers that were surprised at the selection of items at the Rust Western Shed.
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The Chamber’s Promotion Committee has yet to set the date for the next cash mob, but Reynolds says future “cash mobs” will focus on a business outside the downtown business district and with the town’s restaurants.
