International Cash Mob Day recap

Saturday, March 24th was the first ever International Cash Mob Day and by all recounts, it was a smashing success. Over 170 individual events were held and the businesses mobbed were as varied as the participants. From hardware stores to book stores to local ‘watering holes’, eager participants went and let small, independent business owners know that they matter. What they do for our communities matters and they are not unappreciated.

Here is a nice write up from Reuters on the events in Cleveland and some words from Mr. Andrew Samtoy who is the inspiration behind the movement.

Cash Mobs gather to splurge in locally owned stores.

I don’t have numbers from Chuck King, owner of  The Hardware Store in Fayetteville,  site of our second cash mob yet. I do know from what I saw and my conversations with him and others that business was brisk and Fayetteville loves cash mobbing our local owned independent business.

Our board will be meeting soon to plan our next event and until then, keep shopping local!

Sally~

International Cash Mob Day 03/24/2012

Cash Mob? Say What? Why?

Have you ever heard of or watched a Flash Mob on youtube? You know, where people converge on a place and burst into a song and dance routine. Everyone looks on in amazement and a good time is had by all.

A Cash Mob is similar in concept, except we aren’t singing and dancing, trust me. You do NOT want to hear me sing. Instead, a Cash Mob predetermines a locally owned business and people just like you and me converge there and spend at least $20.00.. Pretty simple.

But why, you may ask. Well, we all know the current economy. Let’s not rehash that issue. The one thing we have all learned and come to realize though, is it really does matter where you spend your hard earned money. Communities all over the country are seeing a decline in unique, locally owned and operated businesses. This gives rise to communities that blur together in a bland, homogenized landscape of big-box chains.

Fayetteville has always had it’s own, unique flavor. Small, locally owned business is integral to that. Cash Mobs are simply a fun way to come together and thank our local businesses for being part of our wonderful community. For providing a haven away from the clamor and pace of big-box corporate stores.

Our first Cash Mob was held on February 26, 2012 at Nightbird Books. Owner Lisa Reynolds reports that approx 120 people came through during the 2.5 hour time frame that afternoon.

You can learn more and follow along for frequent updates on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CMFayAR and follow us on twitter: @CMFayAR