May 21, 2012
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Knox Co. Mayor Tim Burchett joined hundreds of other shoppers who headed down to Emery's 5 & 10 Friday evening for the first "Knox Cash Mob."
The owner of the 5 & 10 said on Friday that the store had the busiest day in its history. People didn't wait for 5 to start their shopping. Many of them started early in the morning.
"It's a sizable amount larger than normally this time of the morning," said Don Emery, owner of the 5 & 10. "People don't realize how unique their stores are around town. So people are coming in really impressed with it saying we'll be back and it's a lot of fun."
Shoppers say it was a lot of fun, and hope the county will do more of these events at other businesses.
EJ Bodden decided to venture out early in the day after seeing a report on WVLT Morning news. Friday, she picked up a few Christmas presents.
"I'm so glad Knoxville's doing it to help each other out. I couldn't come this evening so I decided to come this morning," said Bodden. "I did not know this store was here. And because he's a veteran, I think, it's just another way of giving back."
Bill Langford at Comics Exchange on Chapman Highway says he hopes the county will continue the Cash Mob program to remind people that businesses are still open south of the bridge, that is now closed for repairs.
"It will kind of get people in the habit of realizing there are businesses on this side of the bridge and we could use the patronage," added Lanford.
On Thursday night, Mayor Burchett announced the three-generation family-owned shop would be the scene of the county's first cash mob, designed to help South Knox Co. businesses affected by the Henley Street Bridge project. In fact, the mayor was so excited, he was Moonwalking on Local 8 News This Morning. (Click the video above to watch)
“Emery’s is a local institution, and this business represents so much of what is good about our local entrepreneurs," said Burchett. "I hope everyone will come to South Knoxville tomorrow and spend $5 or $10 at Emery’s, or any other South Knoxville business.”
Owner Ron Emery appreciates what Mayor Burchett and others are doing. "It just makes us feel good," he told us. "It's been 3 years and has been tough on us. We're weathering but its great and makes you feel good when the community comes in and tries to help it's wonderful."
