Hope had its first ever cash mob on Friday at Jungle Juice.
Inspired by a flash mob, the goal is to encourage people to support small local businesses through coordinated sales. As a result, both local businesses and the community can benefit from the economic stimulus.
“I thought it sounded like an interesting social experiment for a more rural community,” said organizer Donald Stokes. “There’s some good things locally and some of them just need to be exposed. This gets folks out to try some of the local businesses and support them. At the same time, they can meet some other Hope residents.”
Jungle Juice owner Naydeen Spencer wasn’t sure what to expect with the first cash mob in town. She said the event was a bit quiet with about 10 people showing up, however, it did attract new customers.
“I think it was a good educational thing for those Hope people who hadn’t been here before, she said. “It’s a good opportunity for the small businesses to have this and it’s good for people to broaden their horizons in Hope. I think as time goes on, it will catch on more. You just have to get the word out.”
Stokes said he plans to organize a monthly cash mob in Hope. Each business is contacted in advance and agrees to participate.
The first cash mob event was organized by blogger Christopher Smith at a wine shop in Buffalo, NY on Aug. 5, 2011. More than 100 people turned out to purchase items from the merchant that day.
For more information on upcoming local cash mobs, visit the Hope BC Cash Mob page on Facebook.