JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A local business is in for a big surprise this weekend and you could be a part of it.
You've heard of a "flash mob", but this is a cash mob. The idea is to get together a crowd of people and go to a local business and spend some money.
Each person doesn't have to spend a lot of money, just $10 or $20. With all the money combined, it can really boost a local bottom line.
So far the Jacksonville Cash Mob has gone to five businesses and the crowd is growing each time.
The last place the mob went was
The Write Touch in San Marco. Katie Hoffman with The Write Touch says the cash mob brought in over $2,200 and some first time customers that are now repeat customers.
"Shop local, it is a really important thing for us to do. The money stays in the community if you do that," says Hoffman.
Organizer Mike Field says he read an article about a cash mob in Cleveland and decided to try and start one in Jacksonville. For him, seeing the excitement from the shopkeepers is the best part.
"What is unique about your local shopkeeper is they are your neighbor, you see them at church, you see them around town, you feel that connection with them. That is what contributes to a sense of community," says Field.
So here's how you can get involved. If you want to be a part of the Jacksonville Cash Mob, meet at 11 a.m. at
City Kidz on North Main Street in Springfield on Saturday. There Field will announce what business they will be hitting and don't forget to bring a little green with you.
First Coast News