What’s thought to be Kansas City’s first “cash mob” descended on a tiny Westwood Hills retail area Thursday, bringing cash and filling the four stores there.

An estimated 60 to 70 shoppers stopped at Hi Hat Coffee, Absolute Florist, Annedore’s Fine Chocolates and Little Gallery Frame Shop, some showing up well before the 4:30 p.m. start of the event, which ended about 6 p.m.

“To continue to grow our economy here in Kansas City, it’s really important that we support our local businesses,” said Cherie Figgins of Shawnee, who purchased flowers and chocolates.

Shop owners also were enthusiastic, seeing many first-time customers who they hoped would return.

“I think it’s so much fun that some of these people who never drive down State Line Road would take the time to come over and see what’s going on over here in our little businesses,” said T Jensen, owner of Hi Hat Coffee, a tiny brick shop that anchors the south end of the block.

Area residents Burton Kelso and Kelly Ziegler concocted Thursday’s cash mob plan. They first cleared it through the four businesses, the landlord and the city.

At the start of the event, Ziegler said she would be happy if about 20 people showed up.

“The philosophy is to keep the money local, spend cash here, and don’t use a credit card or debit card,” Ziegler said.

Kelso and Ziegler plan to hold another cash mob soon in another part of the city.