Good Mob Mentality
the cash mob movement floods into the Valley
Thom Fountain, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
The word “mob” comes with some bad connotations. I mean, first you had real mobsters, with their “violin cases” and generally cold demeanor. More recently was the invasion of flash mobs, which became so commonplace there wasn’t really much flash left to them at all.
Well finally there’s a mob I can get behind, and it’s all about cash. Not just general cash (which is something I think we’d all like to come our way in mobs), but cash to support local businesses and our local economy. So, in a way, it is cash coming your way.
Cash mobs have been popping up around the country in the last year and Anthony Nied is bringing the phenomenon to the Chippewa Valley.
There are three rules: Each person should spend $20 at the chosen business, each person should meet at least three people they didn’t know, and everyone should generally have a blast.
In short, a local cash mob is basically what it sounds like: A large group of people organize and spend money at one local business. According to the Cleveland Cash Mob’s website‚ which has become an international resource‚ there are three rules: Each person should spend $20 at the chosen business, each person should meet at least three people they didn’t know, and everyone should generally have a blast.
Those rules were generally followed at the first Eau Claire cash mob, which took place at Infinitea Teahouse in early March. The mob turned out to be more of a constant flow of customers, with people coming in before and after the official mob launched, but it still hit the mark:
“I just want to express how thankful I am for the Cash Mob and everyone that helped support the single greatest day of sales in Infinitea history outside of December, with a 123% sales increase,” Infinitea owner Jeff Mares said in a message on Facebook and email. “With the money from the Cash Mob I will confidently be able to launch my newest idea, so check back to see what we were able to create!”
Nied said in the future he plans on not announcing where the mob is being held, and instead simply announcing a meeting place, which is how many other cash mobs function. This allows for a larger group to come at once and to encourage the social aspect of the mobs.
Some naysayers have said that cash mobs are a short-term solution to a very long-term problem of spending habits, but Nied disagrees, arguing that the exposure is all many businesses need to foster long-term customers.
“The hardest thing is to get people in the first time,” Nied said, adding that many people from the cash mob at Infinitea continued shopping downtown after they bought their tea and accessories.
Another requirement of the cash mob is that the business that’s chosen somehow benefits the greater community. Infinitea was chosen because they offer space for local artists to display work and for musicians to play.
March 24th is National Cash Mob Day and Nied has been planning and organizing two events‚ one in Eau Claire and one put on by Main Street Menomonie‚ on that day. Nied is also planning on making t-shirts to sell to identify mobsters when they are out mobbing.
You can find out a ton more about the Eau Claire Cash Mob on their website www.eauclairecashmob.com or by finding the Eau Claire Cash Mob page on Facebook.
