Cash Mob Helps Fill Hut 8's Coffers

Clutching $20 bills, 20 residents descended upon a surprised staff at in Plaza Bella, Valrico, May 24 for the area's first "cash mob" event.

The cash mob was organized by Grow Brandon, a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting the communities small businesses. Cash mobs are a trend that's spreading around the country. The mob targets a specific small business in need of a boost and each member spend $20 in the business on a specific day and time.

Grow Brandon founder Darrin Tyson, a Brandon chiropractor, said he hopes to host events like this to promote small businesses once a month.

"Movements like this have great ramifications for our local economy," said Tyson. "It shows we're doing something to creat a 'buy local' movement in our area. We're like an Occupy Main Street movement."

Through its website, Facebook and other social media, Tyson hopes to reach thousands of residents with the message to buy from local small businesses.

"Locally owned businesses don't have huge advertising budgets like the big-box retailers," he said. "So we're using a grassroots effort to support these businesses."

The Grow Brandon website features a directory listing of locally owned businesses. While the Grow Brandon Page on Facebook urges residents to give shout-outs to local businesses.

"We reach nearly 40,000 people through Grow Brandon," said Tyson. "It's important that we show people where they can buy items from local businesses. Television commercials tell you where you can get items from the big-box chains. We need a way to promote our local businesses as well."

Tyson said he has nothing against the national chain stores. "I love big-box stores. But the majority of money spent at them leaves our town. When you shop local, you're supporting our local economy. If 10 percent of people started buying locally, you would notice a massive increase in our economy. It's an exciting prospect that our local businesses can start hiring again because we're supporting them. We just have to get excited and pumped up about it."

"I think this is a great idea," said cash mob member Jim Young. "We really need to be doing everything we can to support our local businesses."

Tyson admitted this was his first time shopping at Hut 8.

"I was shocked at the prices and they have some big-name items there. Someone in the cash mob actually purchased a Coach Purse there," said Tyson. "Plus, like I said, the store is gorgeous."