Cash mob takes over local business

Most people have heard of a flash mob but, what about a cash mob?

Cash mobs began in the United States last year and hit Edmonton a few months ago. The most recent mob hit the streets of Edmonton, Sunday afternoon.

The concept is simple, and it’s all in support of local businesses. The organizer of the cash mob selects a local, privately owned business, then a group of people “mob” the business and spend money at the store.

“We think that there’s a lot more value to shopping local whenever possible,” said Tommy Kalita, the founding member of Cash Mob Edmonton adding, “We thought it would be a great opportunity in Edmonton just to put a spotlight on some of the great local businesses that are here.”

All of the “mobbers” have a passion for shopping locally, in order to support local businesses and the local economy.

“Our community is all mom and pop shops, it’s all independent stores,” said Karen Mykietka, President of the Alberta Avenue Community League adding, “(Shopping locally) really does add a lot more to your economy than shopping at big box stores or stores that are owned by multinational companies.”

“I just prefer local businesses because, I find they have a little more character to them, you tend to find things you couldn’t necessarily find in a major chain,” added Kalita.

Sunday’s mob hit Paraiso Tropical, a latin food market on 91st Street and 118th Avenue.

“It’s a great experience,” said Jesus Gonzalez, “I didn’t know there was an organization that does this. They go local.”

Gonzalez’s parents opened Paraiso Tropical in 1991. He says, as a local business owner, he understands the importance of supporting the local economy.

“It’s what we try to do in our business, too,” Gonzalez said adding, “People that come here, they’ve just immigrated and have all these start up businesses so, whenever they come here we encourage them, you know, ‘bring out your product’ and we’ll sell their product.”

This is the 5th cash mob the organization has held in Edmonton, and interest has grown with each mob. Kalita suggests each mobber spend about $20 at the chosen business however, he says the mob is about so much more than spending money, it’s all about what happens after the mob.

“At the end of the day, I think the biggest value that we add isn’t necessarily the money people spend on the spot but, just kind of talking about it with their friends, family,” Kalita said adding, “I just think that entrepreneurship and small businesses are really what’s going to build the economy and really make Edmonton shine as a world class city.”

Fore more information about Cash Mob Edmonton, visit their Facebook page.

With files from Slav Kornik.

Follow @caleyramsay//