Le Mars, IA (KTIV) -
Bob Rust has shoe polish running in his blood from his greasy finger tips to his cowboy boots. As a "young gun," Rust worked in Harlan for his dad's shoe shop before moving to LeMars in the early 70's. For nearly 40 years, the people of this community have been coming to "Rust's Western Shed" their western gear.
Located in the heart of the town, it was one of nine local businesses that were eligible for the first ever "LeMars Mainstreet Cash Mob." It's a new way to try to support old-fashioned stores.
Mary Reynolds, Mainstreet manager of LeMars Chamber of Commerce said, "One of the things we feel is important is that people appreciate and support those businesses in their communities."
Each person participating in the mob guarantees to spend $20 in the selected store. And the winner..?
Almost 60 participants flocked into the store to browse through the aisles of western wear. The idea? You either spend 20 dollars on the spot or they hand you a 20-dollar gift certificate to the store.
Bob Rust owner of the Rust's Western Shed said, "The people that came in today, if nothing else, it showed their support for our community."
Those supporters, are becoming more aware of what the "MOM AND POP" stores have to offer.
Mark Stelzer,LeMars said, "We kind of filled up the store for awhile but they've been very generous and I found a pair of shoes that I might not of found any other way."
This "Cash Mob" has one goal: keep the money at home.
Even in a small task of sanding cowboy boots, keeping that money local in a small community like LeMars is huge.
Mary Reynolds said, "It's very important to have independent retailers filling up your downtowns."
One of the anchors of LeMars downtown "Rust's Western Shed, has the same motto that all small-businesses carry.
Bob Rust added, "Anyone can sell something, but the part of service that goes with it is very important and I think the people realize that."
