Downtown Marietta is chock full of small shops, local boutiques, and unique restaurants. One particular series of events – Story Mobs – are geared at connecting downtown’s small businesses to locals in a unique way, through the power of relationship building and storytelling.

“Story Mobs are mob events where shoppers are not expected to spend money unless they’d like to. The focus of Story Mobs are to learn the stories of our shop owners, the shop, and what they’re all about. Mobbers will have snacks and view demos and experience other behind-the-scenes aspects of the specialty shops participating in these events,” said Charlie Clay, Story Mob Coordinator.

Launched in 2018, Story Mobs are spin-offs from Cash Mobs, a Marietta Main Street program, and provide an opportunity for locals to get to know businesses they may not have entered before. Like Cash Mobs, participants don’t know the location(s) of the Mob until they arrive onsite the night of the event.

“Story Mobs started as a way to include retailers that maybe wouldn’t have been able to be mobbed during the standard Cash Mob Monday. Both Story Mob and Cash Mob events are important; they allow participants to learn more about a downtown business and to support that business by spending their money there,” said Clay.

On Monday, June 3rd, Story Mob is being hosted once again in downtown Marietta with surprise businesses to be mobbed. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the faces of owners, hear the stories of the businesses, and get more connected to the vibrancy of the Marietta community.

I think consumers in Marietta embrace the satisfaction of supporting our downtown retailers and service businesses.

“For a city to maintain its identity as well as Marietta has is very special. A vibrant and inviting downtown is a key factor in this. In the days of click and buy, I think consumers in Marietta embrace the satisfaction of supporting our downtown retailers and service businesses,” said Tim Glover, President of Marietta Main Street.

“As for the stories of Marietta, pride in our history is a great factor in Marietta. I have heard many visitors say that Marietta is a town of conversations. Strangers find people here that are willing to engage and if you ask for recommendations, you not only find out about a restaurant or store but you are told what used to be in that spot and who used to own it,” continued Glover.

Sticking with the tradition of the community, Story Mobs invite locals downtown to engage with the history of businesses and buildings by exploring places that may be unknown. As with all Mob events, it is free to attend, though participants are certainly encouraged to spend their money to support the small business hosts.

It paved the way for some new friendships to form and we welcomed some new clients.

“I loved the chance to welcome Story Mob participants to Hot Tomato Portraits because it gave me a chance to give a studio tour – which I love doing – and connect with people on a more one-on-one basis,” said photographer and business owner Andi Roberts. “I was able to tell my story about my path to owning and operating Hot Tomato. It paved the way for some new friendships to form and we welcomed some new clients as a result.”

Mobbers meet monthly at the corner of Front and Butler Street at Gateway Park in Downtown Marietta at 5:30 p.m. The next Story Mob event will take place on Monday, June 3rd.

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