Letter: Store owner overwhelmed by all the local support

My husband and I have been independent business owners for almost 18 years. We have a bookstore in St. Paul and, three months ago, opened a second store on Main Street River Falls: Fox Den Used Books.

The response from the community has been warm and welcoming in a way we had never expected.

One amazing thing that happened was the incredible wave of people that came through the doors all together on Nov. 10 that was the first River Falls Cash Mob.

I had one day’s notice to make sure I had extra help on hand and heard that three people had signed up. I was thrilled.

Three new people to find our store would be a blessing. This in no way prepared me for the flood of people that poured through the door the following day, filling the store to capacity.

The cheerfulness of everyone involved, the obvious pleasure they had in being together and supporting together — it was an emotional experience to feel so welcomed, to know the grace and kindness of the people in the community.

Our retail community has had a recent insurgence of independent business — of people choosing to invest in the area which they live — and the support of the customers has been equal to it.

It has been my privilege to since participate in other River Falls Cash Mobs. I encourage anyone else to join. The cost is $10. One $10 vow to keep your money revolving in our community.

The next mob is set for Saturday, Feb. 9, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Participants will gather at 1 p.m. at the Awareness Project Offices at 208 S. Main Street (next to Treasures of the Heart), then together walk on down to the River Walk Mercantile, each with a $10 bill.

Tags: opinion, letters, business