CHAGRIN FALLS — More than 200-250 people took turns “occupying” the Chagrin Falls Hardware store Saturday, as a friendly “cash mob” turned out to support the family owned business.
The idea for the “event” started with Chagrin Falls resident James Black, who wanted to show local support for the Main Street store in a time when so many “big box” stores have caused other small, locally owned stores to close their doors.
Black sent out an email on Jan. 14 to his friends, asking them to show up Jan. 21 and spend at least $20 at Chagrin Hardware, located at 82 North Main Street.
The idea snowballed after former Chagrin Falls Village Councilman Bruce Corson posted the email on his Facebook page and it was reposted on multiple pages.
All day Saturday, friends and residents came from near and far to support the Shutts family, who has operated the store since 1963. The tally of the day’s receipts is still underway but it’s safe to say the store did “land office business” Saturday.
Many people who had never been to the store came by as well.