By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: June 8, 2012
We have all heard the well-intentioned, but worn-out phrase, “Buy Local-Shop Local.”
Now, one local business owner is putting some kinetic energy into that hackneyed slogan.
Eric Armour, the owner of Trinity Romance Shop, on Second Ave, is the driver behind Cash Mob, an idea he picked up while browsing the internet few months ago.
“It’s a great tool to spur some spending in our local economy,” Armour said.
As the name suggests, Cash Mob is a play on the words flash mob.
But instead of people shaking their leg, they open their wallets.
Cash Mob participants descend on a business with $20 in hand, giving the business a cash injection.
The $20 spending can shore up fledgling morale in a tight economy. It also sends a tangible message of Shop Local-Buy Local.
The Cash Mob will gather at a pre-decided place, where the cash mob leader will reveal the business.
The business owner will be told one week in advance to allow for time for preparation. Cash Mob will be once a month affair.
Armour has compiled a list of 42 stores, and 29 restaurants across town that the Cash Mob can go to.
The stores that were locally run and independently operated have been selected.
Cash Mob dates and time will be posted on the Squamish Cash Mob Facebook page.
There are three rules to the cash mob game, Armour says.
“You have to spend $20, meet three new people, and have tons of fun,” he said.
A cash mob visit to a business would be followed by a visit to an apres spot in town, he added.
Downtown Squamish BIA president, Scott McQuade said it was a fun idea.
“People getting together to help out small businesses, Why not?” he said.
