Boston "mob crawl" aims to boost spending at Black-owned stores
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Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios
What began as an idea to help a Boston restaurant has transformed into a campaign for residents to support five Black-owned local businesses.
Why it matters: Small businesses across the nation are struggling to keep their doors open as the cost of doing business rises, especially in an already high-cost city like Boston.
- The Business Confidence Index, published each month by the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, fell to 46.6 points out of 100 — nearly 10 points below January 2025.
Catch up quick: Christy Felix, founder of the local gig directory the Hustle List, started planning a "cash mob" for Mum Mich in Dorchester after learning it was burglarized last month, Axios reported last week.
- Felix partnered with Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune on the event, in which people descend on a business and spend money there.
Between the lines: The Hustle List first held a "cash mob" to support DAC Thrift Shop in Dorchester in December, but Felix's business has also experienced challenges.
- Felix announced recently that the Hustle List's app would shut down because she couldn't afford to host the platform as it grew. Still, she said she planned to support businesses through the brand's social media accounts.
Driving the news: The event has turned into a "mob crawl" that will support five Black-owned businesses from 1pm-7pm Feb. 21.
- Attendees will start at Bogosplit at Copley Place, followed by Just Bookish in Field Corner, Mum Mich, Boston Flower Co. in Mattapan and District 7 Tavern in Roxbury.
What they're saying: "We're pulling up with intention, dollars and community love," Felix wrote in an Instagram post.