PORTSMOUTH — Main Street Portsmouth will begin its first Cash Mob at Market Street Hardware on Thursday, May 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. A cash mob is a group of individuals who commit to spending a set dollar amount at a local business.

The goal of the cash mob is to promote shopping local and to provide small businesses with an immediate influx of cash. Cash mobs have become increasingly popular throughout the country and are helping to keep many locally-owned small businesses open.

After “mobbing” Market Street Hardware (located at 217 Market St., Portsmouth) the group will then move on to mob Port City Café and Pub (located at 424 Chillicothe St.).

Each participant in the cash mob must commit to spending at least $10 at each location. “We are excited to have both Market Street Hardware and Port City Café & Pub on board with this program,” said Main Street Portsmouth Executive Director Jennifer Foster.

“Both of these businesses are very supportive of Main Street Portsmouth and the community and we are proud to promote them through the Cash Mob Program.”

The Main Street Portsmouth Cash Mob was started as a way to bring people downtown, while providing a much needed economic boost to local businesses.

On the third Thursday of each month, “mobsters” will meet at the designated business for one hour then meet for dinner at a corresponding restaurant. “By including a dinner location with the retail location, we are really able to help two businesses at a time instead of just one,” explains Foster.

For more information about the Main Street Portsmouth Cash Mob Program or to participate on May 17, please contact Main Street Portsmouth at 740-464-0203 or program.msp@gmail.com

Main Street Portsmouth is the largest Main Street community in Ohio with a district that encompasses 38 city blocks. Main Street Portsmouth has been an accredited Main Street community since 2008.