Comments on: Should We Organize a Decatur-Based “Cash Mob”?

By: Alison

Alison — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:28:51 +0000

Just to clarify- Cash Mob Atlanta is just a group of friends NOT getting any compensation for organizing cash mobs. NONE. We’re just having a few hours of fun shopping at local businesses. Plain and simple. Please join us at a cash mob if you want to!

By: Tom Smith

Tom Smith — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:43:50 +0000

Watch out… in some areas there are companies popping up that are PAID (by the business itself) to organize a cash mob for business (i.e. relylocal.com) — so you don’t know if the business is actually in need or just using a “good” marketing plan to lure you in. Sad.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:25:32 +0000

Here’s what they do in Fort Collins, Colorado. It looks pretty cool.
http://www.belocalnc.org/plaid-mob/

By: Decatur Metro

Decatur Metro — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:22:08 +0000

OK, I just lost my response into the ether-net, but I was just saying that I also have reservations about it. It’s great that it’s the “anti-Groupon”, which I also have reservations about, but on a larger scale, what can a one-day cash infusion really provide if the end game is about supporting local businesses?

But maybe it’s more about creating communities who drink together and love local businesses than anything else? Then I guess I have no real problem with it. I guess it depends on what the real “intent” of the effort. As long as people don’t walk away from it thinking, “OK, I’ve done my share of local business support for the year. Back to Target!”, I guess it can’t hurt things.

By: little shop diane

little shop diane — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:48:50 +0000

As a small business owner, I am intrigued by the Cash Mob movement simply because it raises awareness of the need to support local, small business. However, I have some trouble with it also. For small businesses to survive, they need continued patronage, not just a one day influx of customers. I do see how a Cash Mob event could bring new customers to a business and would be interested to see statistics on returning customers once this movement has more of a track record.

Our reality is that we need people to support us ALL the time, not just two or three times a year.

The 3/50 Project is a great way to support your local businesses year round:

http://www.the350project.net/home.html