Cash in hand, they mob local merchants

Upwards of a dozen shoppers at a time swarmed into Dovetail Artisans in Glenside on Saturday, giving the small handcrafted gift store sales receipts reminiscent of a December rush.

Such "cash mobs" have been springing up nationwide to send a jolt to the economy through small, local businesses. And this was one of the first in the Philadelphia region.

Cash Mob Philly has been organized by Shahrzad Kojouri, who said, with concern: "I'm hoping people don't hear 'flash mob' when they hear 'cash mob.' "

The mobs are set up by Kojouri, who encourages friends, acquaintances and Facebook followers to head to the designated shop and spend at least $20. Kojouri and Dovetail Artisans owner Elayne Aion met at a previous cash mob event.

The busy receipt machine in Aion's normally quiet shop sounded through the chatter and ambient soft music.

"It compares to a holiday season Saturday," Aion said. "It's been fabulous having this kind of traffic."

Aion checked out Kojouri's last event - at Main Street Music in Manayunk on March 1. After talking, Aion reached out to Kojouri.

"She was exactly what we aim to support," Kojouri said. "Her passion for supporting local artists is amazing."

Kojouri, a lawyer for New Penn Financial and her own firm, SK Legal Services, started Cash Mob Philly last month after hearing from a law school friend who initiated the Cleveland branch. Cash mobs are occurring in other cities around the country.

The movement is progressing slower than she hoped, but Kojouri has seen improvement with each event. The Cash Mob Philly Facebook page has broadened its following, and other organizations are getting involved.

"I'm just really hoping that people trust in this movement," Kojouri said, of Ardmore. "It's just a great way to support locally. Also, it's a fun way to meet people."

Saturday's customers, who heard about the cash mob from various sources, searched the shop for just the right porcelain dish, decorative coaster or carved wooden music box.

Among the crowd was Suzann Schubert of Abington, and her friend Alexis Matt of Dresher, who together bought a set of earrings and two necklaces. Schubert heard about the cash mob on the radio, and brought along Matt, who discovered it through e-mail and from a class instructor.

"She should be supported because she's very generous herself," Matt said of Aion, who worked with a hospice for 10 years before opening up her store.

Those who couldn't join the mob Saturday still sent their support. Aion received a check after a shopper wanted to participate, but couldn't make it. Others came before the designated mob time, but heard about the shop through Kojouri's efforts to support local businesses.

"I've always been interested in small businesses; they're the backbone of a community," Aion said. "It's a way to say, 'You're part of our community, let's support you.' "