Think Local First | DC Locals Mean Business!

Next Saturday, Think Local First DC Board Members, Staff and Localist followers will all arrive at one lucky independently owned DC business and mob it!

Each of us will have $20 in hand. Each of us will leave with something. I would say it is the best “donation” I have ever been asked to make. Why? Well, it a way is smells of retail therapy. We each leave with something, I think this is organized shopping. It also involves gathering my friends, colleagues and community members so it smells of party. AND, I know that $20 a pop, when done by many in an hours time, is a shot in the arm for most retailers. It’s very simple to be a mobster.

What is a Cash Mob?

Think flash mob but more social and less artsy. First started by Buffalo, New York, blogger Chris Smith last August, cash mobs are a nationwide community-based phenomenon, primarily organized through social media, in which groups of people gather on an appointed date and time to “mob,” or support, a local business. Participants must agree to spend at least $20 at the chosen location, and in turn the business must be locally-owned and supportive of the community. The idea is to combat cheap consumer habits and deal sites like Groupon which in the short-term benefit the customer but often end up undercutting local store owners.

How do you participate?

1. RSVP on Facebook to get the location.
The location is not announced until 9:30 a.m. the morning of the MOB.
2. Arrive with $20 in hand to spend fully on one or more items.

3. Tell everyone you know before and after.
Spread the word to your friends, colleagues and family. Take pictures and post them on social media. Tweet where you are going. The more people, the more mobs we will plan. The more fun they see you have, the more people we will have next time. This is all about impact!

How does TLF pick a business?

Businesses are nominated by TLF board members and committee members and brought to a vote. In the future, these nominations will also be
open to our localist.

1. Must be independently owned.

2. Must sell something for men and women.

3. Must have something to tangibly purchase for $20.

4. Must be a Think Local First member.

Not only are we offering the business some additional daily revenue by creating a mob we are giving businesses that may or may not have a marketing budget the easiest promotion and media opportunity that they can find! And unlike other efforts to attract consumers to local business, this one does not have a discount attached.

See you on the 24th, with a mob of localists… all with $20 in hand. We are about to making shopping, giving back to your community and being a mobster look really easy!