Aberdeen Cash Mob helps small business set record day
Matthew N. Wells, The Daily World, Aberdeen, Wash.
5 min read
Mar. 18—Melinda Einander and her wife Kaide, owners of Harbor Books — 2200 Simpson Ave., in Hoquiam — welcomed many happy customers at about 11 a.m., Saturday. The Einanders couldn't have sounded more delighted as Aberdeen Cash Mob's leaders, Dezy Lindgren, Janaé Jobe and Osiel Rivera, led about 15 people into their shop.
"I love the Aberdeen Cash Mob," Melinda said. "I think it's a wonderful way for folks in the community to support local businesses. I've been following their Facebook page and keeping track of their progress. I saw their visit to Tectonic Comics. I thought that looked really fun. ... I just think it's a really nice way that folks are supporting local businesses. It's a little overwhelming, but it's really exciting. I'm really honored to be chosen."
The goal was for each person to spend $20 in cash and it seems like they did more than that. Einander looked at her sales transaction count after Aberdeen Cash Mob left and found there were 14 transactions. If everyone spent $20, that's $280.
Stephanie Navarra, who was shopping with a funny, exuberant, wandering toddler, enjoyed herself and shared her fandom of Aberdeen Cash Mob.
"Cash Mob is such a good (way) to see all the small places, either the ones you knew about or the ones you never knew were there," Navarra said. "This is so cool. I hope more people come because this was a great turnout."
The day got better for Harbor Books
According to a message from Harbor Books, Aberdeen Cash Mob did not just provide a boost in sales for Harbor Books on a Saturday filled with bright blue skies and shorts and T-shirt weather. They did so much more.
"I knew it would be an influx in sales, and was excited about that," Melinda said. "But the influx of energy and publicity were even more exciting. I've had more business today than is normal on a Saturday, and so much engagement online that I wasn't expecting as a result."
And then she brought up how much Aberdeen Cash Mob helped Harbor Books through their hour or so appearance at the small, brightly lit shop just two short blocks east of the Simpson Avenue Bridge. Harbor Books has been operating in Hoquiam since 2021.
"I just went back and checked," Melinda said. "And (I) can tell you this has been the highest grossing sales day for me since I've been in business. Please keep doing what you're doing, it's such a wonderful thing for our local businesses and I will promote you however I can. Thank you so much."
Lindgren commented on her experience at Harbor Books.
"I loved Harbor Books," Lindgren said. "I was super excited to see their selection of local authors. You can also special order books through Harbor Books. I'd love to see people order through them instead of big corporations."
Jobe loved her experience at Harbor Books, too.
"Harbor Books has a ton of gems and every subject you could think of," Jobe said. "I loved it in there."
In addition to all the books available, including a large children's books section Melinda sounded quite proud of, she also carries audio books, greeting cards and board games. To learn more, visit their website: https://www.booksontheharbor.com.
Solid Coffee
While the day ended with a record day for Harbor Books, it started off with smooth coffee, pastries and sandwiches at Solid Coffee — 1941 Riverside Ave., in Hoquiam. The group met there at 10:30 a.m. Aberdeen Cash Mob always meets at one local business before heading out to the actual cash mob location.
On Saturday, it was smart to meet early as the line was almost out the door at Solid Coffee, which is on the first floor of Vasa Hall. Ula Chamberlin and her husband Darick own and run the shop.
"The turnout was great and we are extremely thankful," Ula said. "It was great for increasing today's sales, but also for introducing potential new customers to the shop."
Ula was doing double duty, one as helping run the shop with Darick, but also as mom.
"I wish I had time to talk with the organizers, but of course our baby needed me as everyone was wrapping up and getting ready to leave," Ula said. "Because we just opened a few months ago, we can't yet afford counter help. That's why it's often a family affair."
If Solid Coffee sees more days like Saturday, they might need to make more room for additional staff to serve their hot and iced blended drinks. Lindgren praised Solid Coffee.
"Solid Coffee was great," Lindgren said. "Their Caramel Macchiato is still the best one I've ever had. The owners are friendly and were happy to have us."
Saturday was Jobe's first time in Solid Coffee. She came away impressed with the job the Chamberlins do there.
"I will absolutely be stopping in again," Jobe said. "I love having the historic Vasa Hall being utilized so well."
Melinda gave a small shoutout to Solid Coffee, calling them a "wonderful neighbor," and how she wished they were a tad closer. She also gave one last happy comment about Aberdeen Cash Mob.
"It's a really nice thing for people to do and to maybe get out and see a place you haven't seen before in your community," Melinda said. "If I wasn't working here every Saturday morning, I'd go do it."
