Cash Mobs Are Coming To Lakewood

Everyone that has perused YouTube knows about flash mobs — people dancing en masse to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” on public plazas, for instance — but a group of professionals are about to advance the concept in Lakewood, Washington

Come the month of May, business leaders plan to host a cash mob — a commerce-fueled cousin of ubiquitous flash mobs.

In a cash mob, a group of people descends on a business to buy, buy, buy. The destination is revealed through social media. Then, the mob pops up at the business to browse and shop.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce modeled the cash mob on similar events in other locales.

“The Chamber is always looking for ideas that are unique, energetic and that add value to the community and to our chamber members” said Linda Smith, President & CEO of the Lakewood Chamber.  “For small, locally owned businesses, an infusion of cash like this can really make a big difference to their bottom line.”

The identity of the local merchant and cash mob target remain under wraps. So, participants need to turn the Facebook page for clues.

“People who want to take part in our first mob and future mobs can like our Facebook page to find out where we’ll be,” said Smith. “It’s going to be exciting to announce our first merchant.  We are also looking for a volunteer Mob Boss who will help generate additional interest and participants.  Each Mob Boss will earn a cool T-shirt.”

Smith said participants are asked to spend about $20 apiece, but any amount is acceptable.

In this economy, supporting local business, creating meaningful connections through commerce and building buzz for our community sounds like a great idea.  For more information, go to Facebook and “like” Lakewood Cash Mob at http://www.facebook.com/CashMobLakewood?ref=ts.  Details to follow!

*Source: Lakewood Chamber of Commerce