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http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/story/2012-03-15/cash-mob-small-business/53554926/1
'Cash mobs' descend on small businesses, snap up merchandise
By Laura Petrecca, USA TODAY
March 15, 2012

It's a mob scene at some mom-and-pop retailers across the country.
Organized groups of do-gooders — "cash mobs," modeled after public-spectacle "flash mobs" — are descending upon small businesses, snapping up merchandise and rallying at pubs afterward to celebrate their pro-community mission.

The shopping sprees have taken place in dozens of cities from San Diego to Buffalo. The packs organize on platforms such as Facebook or Twitter, where they get details on where and when a strike will occur.

Farmers markets, toy retailers and hardware stores have been on the hit list. Mob members typically spend at least $10 to $20.

The altruistic acts provide much-welcomed economic and emotional support for small-business owners, says entrepreneur John Reburn, who was hit by a cash mob of more than 100 Wednesday evening.

His firm — Appalachia Press, a letterpress and silk-screening shop in Roanoke, Va. — rang up 54 sales in less than an hour as customers picked up stationery, books and prints.

"We did the equivalent of a Christmas shopping day in 45 minutes," he says.

The cash mob craze began to get social media pickup last year, and as word spread, so has the benevolence. Community activists, non-profit employees and regular people have led similar charges for their towns.
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