Cash Mob Strikes Palm Desert Businesses

A sign-carrying mob of approximately 20 people marched into two palm Desert businesses this afternoon, surprising owners and staff alike.  But this group wasn’t protesters, but members of a “cash mob”. 

The concept is simple.  A group of people converge on a small business and spend money. 

This mob, all executives from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce, each armed with cash, started by invading It’s In the Bag, catching its staff unaware. 

“This is total surprise,” Said owner Chuck Weisbart as the sign-waving, balloon carrying crowd filed in to shop.    For 20 hectic minutes, Weisbart and his staff assisted the customers and were ringing up sales before the mob moved along to its next stop.  

“The surprise really worked,” Weisbart said afterwards.  “It’s a good thing we sell underwear, because I need to change mine now,” he added with a profitable smile. 

The situation was slightly different a few doors down at Beach House Frozen Yogurt, where a large charity fundraiser was already in progress.  With an already busy staff serving up yogurt treats on behalf on Angel View, they manages to work in the cash mob participants effortlessly.  

Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Barbara DeBoom was pleased with how the event went. 

“We were proud to help support two individually-owned small businesses,” she told Patch. “It shows that every bit helps and it adds to the strength of the business economy.”  

An estimated $400 in additional sales were generated by the cash mob.  Another cash mob appearance is being planned, but specifics are not being announced.