I saw this somewhere a couple of days ago, but Derych was good enough to jog my memory with this link.  Here’s a summary of a “cash mob” from the PRI article…

Instead of breaking into song, members of cash mobs break open their wallets to spend money at locally owned businesses.

Since starting last year, cash mobs have been organized in 32 states and Canada. But unlike flash mobs, which are generally entertaining and trivial, they come with a serious purpose.

The idea is the brainchild of Buffalo blogger and engineer Chris Smith, who said that Cash Mobs are sort of a reverse Groupon. Instead of offering people bargain-basement deals, people pay the regular price to support retailers in their communities.

It’s a really great idea.  I especially like the part about it that it is “a reserve Groupon”.  I’ve always had very mixed feelings about those half-price coupons.  Especially using them at my favorite local spots.  However,  we’d need to think of a fair and unbiased way to decided on which business gets a “cash mob”.  But it might be doable.

What do you all think?  After the jump, see the list of suggested rules for a cash mob from a Cleveland cash mob group.  We could adjust them as needed, but I think the “have a drink” afterwards aspect is an important one.  I’m sure J_T would organize that part, no questions asked!

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