Have you ever been surfing through the web, maybe YouTube, and discovered the world of "Flash Mobs?"
Bursts of dancing or singing to popular music starting with a few participants then magically growing into a crowd of choreography in public places such as European train stations, community events, high school graduations, ... the list goes on.
More recently, "Flash" has turned into "Cash" creating "Cash Mobs" supporting local businesses throughout hometown commercial districts. The revival of shopping local is growing more and more, even in the Trail Towns, with programs such as Buy Local Fayette County which promotes a network of small businesses. By supporting local businesses, you are supporting and growing the local economy in your community. Many local businesses later support local organizations and initiatives from the support of local shoppers.
Cash Mobs takes that to a whole other level. Imagine 20 or more customers invading a local storefront and each spending at least $20 within a hour or so. For many stores, being "mobbed" creates an enjoyable atmosphere or shopping and spending while even creating a line within the store.
How It Works: Start a Facebook or Twitter group, create an event and a public meeting place, meet at the public place and announce the local business of choice, proceed to the business and go!
Not only does this impact the individual business, it impacts an overall change. Participants may discover a new part of town or business they never knew about and more than likely explore neighboring storefronts and spend time with the rest of the mob and the community. Holding a "Cash Mob" once a month creates a causal social atmosphere while supporting local businesses and economy, and in the long run develops a more sustainable and connected community.
Interested in holding your own "cash mob" in your Trail Town? Why not get the local trail group to get together after their morning meeting and mob a downtown shop! Start getting organized today because the first ever National Cash Mob Day is coming up on Saturday March 24, 2012. To learn more about other Cash Mobs and their success check out http://cashmobs.wordpress.com/.
If you are looking to plan a Cash Mob in your Trail Town, please let us know and we'll help spread the word!
Cash Mobs are making news throughout the US - to learn more check out these links:
http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/14/10400367-cash-mobs-flash-mobs-go-to-bat-for-small-local-businesses
http://www.marketplace.org/topics/business/cash-mobs-try-boost-small-businesses
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/15/tagblogsfindlawcom2012-freeenterprise-idUS93294869820120215