Next Small Business Counts cash mob a ‘double feature’ at Ritz, Hoskins

The next Small Business Counts cash mobs will be in Clinton on Thursday, a “double feature” at two businesses next door to each other: Hoskins Drug Store and the Ritz Theatre.

The cash mobs, which encourage people to meet and spend money at local businesses, are being organized by ORNL Federal Credit Union.

A press release said Hoskins Drug Store has been an institution in the Clinton community since 1930 and a testament to small business, with three generations of the Hoskins family being involved. The store features a full-service pharmacy, home medical supplies and equipment, hot plate lunches, an authentic soda fountain, home décor, and a gift department.

Located directly beside Hoskins Drug Store, the Ritz Theatre has been serving the Clinton community with featured movies and live performances dating back to 1945, the release said. Owners Dean and Jane Brock have been involved since 1995 and were essential in having the theatre refurbished, remodeled, and reopened to the public in 2000. The Ritz has one showtime each night and features only the latest family friendly releases for $5 per ticket. The movie being shown the night of the cash mob is “Smurfs 2” starring Neil Patrick Harris and Katy Perry.

The Small Business Counts Cash Mob program was created to recognize and show support for all local merchants in the 16 counties that ORNL Federal Credit Union serves. The program includes the promotion and support of various local businesses each month and will continue throughout the next year.

At each event, the first 30 people will receive a $20 gift card to use at their discretion, courtesy of ORNL Federal Credit Union, the release said. Limit one per family or couple.

For more information about the Small Business Counts program or to nominate a local merchant, visit www.SmallBusinessCounts.com. There is no requirement for the business to be a member of ORNL Federal Credit Union to be selected for a cash mob. Details of future cash mobs will be made available approximately one week in advance of each event.

The credit union had its second cash mob last month at Razzleberry’s Ice Cream Lab and Kitchen in Oak Ridge.

Thursday’s cash mobs are from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Hoskins Drug Store at 111 N. Main St. and from 6:45 p.m. until 7:15 p.m., when the movie starts, at the Ritz, which is at 119 N. Main St.