Article Contributed by Kristen Bradley
Almost everyone has heard of flash mobs. Large groups of people gather in a public space and perform a dance routine or participate in some other form of celebration for seemingly no reason other than to attract attention. Cash mobs, however, are a slightly newer trend. Like flash mobs, they involve the gathering of a crowd in a public place. However, unlike in a flash mob, these people are there for a very specific and dedicated reason. The ultimate goal of a flash mob is to support a local business by buying items from a certain local business in order to stimulate the local economy.
History of Cash Mobs
According to Public Radio International, the man responsible for inventing this concept is named Chris Smith. Smith is an engineer from Buffalo, New York and organized the first ever event of this kind at a local wine shop in Buffalo in August of 2011. More than one hundred people showed up to the event to purchase wine and support the business. Another group from Cleveland, Ohio also claims the title of inventor for this type of event. It organized a mob in which over 40 people shopped at a local bookstore. Over the last year, the “rules” by which these events are organized have circulated in various blogs.
How the Event is Organized
Generally, the organizers of these events use blogs and social media websites to announce the event and attract potential participants. The people are instructed to show up between certain hours and make a purchase at the store that is getting promoted. Sometimes more than one business is mobbed during the event. There are usually after parties for participants who attended the cash mob so members of the community can meet one another and plan future cash mob events. Some cash mobs have a minimum suggested purchase price, but generally participants are told to spend what they can afford. It is commonly suggested that they think of gifts to purchase for loved ones, or buy themselves an item that they would not usually think of purchasing.
This type of event does several things for the business. First, it helps it make a profit from the purchases during the mob. Second, it helps establish clients who may return to make new purchases and recommend the store to their friends. Third, it gets the business media attention since oftentimes; these events are announced in local papers and online.
Cash mobs are a new and exciting way to promote local business and stimulate the local economy. One does not have to spend all that much to get involved, and the events are generally a fun experience. Those who want to learn more should explore the websites and blogs dedicated to these mob events. A good time is waiting right around the corner.
About the Author
Kristen Bradley is a principal for CashMob.com, leading promotions and marketing portal that allows users to find cash mobs near them while also learning about the phenomenon. Through her educational outreach, Kristen strives to help small businesses achieve financial success.