Innovative “Cash Mob” to Support Small Businesses in the Grove

Coconut Grove will be experiencing its first “Cash Mob” on Saturday, June 23 from noon to 8:00 p.m. as a way to support local, small businesses.

So what exactly is a cash mob? Imagine you’re a store owner, running regular business hours on a fairly quiet day. All of a sudden you experience one of those “flash mobs” you’ve seen all over the internet. But, in place of sudden, fancy dance moves, you get bombarded with hoards of choreographed shoppers instead – all purchasing your items at the same time.

Coconut Grove BID Ambassador Louis Del Borello suggested the Cash Mob craze to his Grove colleagues after hearing about the success similar events had in New York and Ohio.

“As a Grove ambassador, I’m always researching new things that can bring excitement and enthusiasm to the area,” said Del Borello. “I was online, came across a story about ‘cash mobs’ and immediately I thought of the Grove.”

This summer’s first cash mob will take place at Silverado, a boutique jewelry store located at (3092 Fuller Street), on Saturday, June 23 from noon to 8:00 p.m. Participants are expected to arrive between the allotted hours and spend at least $19. As with original flash mobs, cash mobs go viral by connecting with social media.  Mobbers are encouraged to take pictures and share them on Facebook and Twitter, send them to the Coconut Grove Grapevine blog, and while on site meet at least three new people and head out to one of the local hangouts for a drink.

“We’re looking forward to featuring more businesses,” he said. “It’s all about giving our merchants a shot at doing better and thanking them for being around.”

The Cash Mob will be held periodically at different locations in the Grove throughout the summer. Aspiring mobbers can find more information about scheduled events through the Coconut Grove BID and the Coconut Grove Grapevine.

For more information about the Coconut Grove BID and the community it serves, visit www.CoconutGrove.com or call (305) 461-5506.

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