In an effort to continue the "shop locally" campaign, Unity Chamber of Commerce vice-president, Helena Long brought an interesting idea to the Chamber meeting table.
She suggested in the theme of the popular "flash mob" phenomenon, why not try a "shop mob" concept. A "shopping mob" is a group of individuals interested in supporting their local business. They gather at a predetermined time and place, and proceed to the predetermined businesses with everyone in the mob committing to spending at least $20. The business is surprised, but it's a nice surprise as they gain the financial benefit from the shopping surge. It gets the shoppers to learn more about their local businesses, as well as getting consumers to participate in good community relations, in addition to participating in something unique and fun.
The $20 can be spent on anything the shopper chooses but most shoppers agreed they have spent $20 on frivolous things that haven't been nearly as much fun, nor had nearly the long lasting effects for both shopper and business.
Over 40 people met at the CIBC at 10:30 a.m. March 9. After brief instructions, the crowd made its way to Just Jigs general store, which was chosen from random draw. A chant of "let's go shopping" rang out as the shopping mob hit the store.
Imagine the surprise on employee Obie Miller's face when this crowd entered the retail and began shopping. Participants ranged from age 90 right down to two-year-old Katrina Wagner.
Shopper and local businessman, Rick Oatway, said, "I want to support local business and I am very happy with this turnout."
Vicki Orobko said that although she had been in the store early that morning picking up something she needed, she brought along her two daughters and her mother this round. Orobko decided this trip with the shopping mob, would be more of a browsing venture and she realized that there were things in this store she hadn't known about before.
This statement was exactly what organizers were looking for, getting local shoppers to recognize new things about the businesses that are open in Unity.
Shopper, Edie Shepherd commented, "Sylvia gave me a call and I was glad to come along. It was fun being part of a group shopping excursion, and I am very surprised with the big turnout".
It was a 45 minute experiment that brought out jocularity, some retail therapy and a good surprise for one local business. The long line up to pay was full of chatter including statements like, "when is the next shop mob going to be?" and "I hope I hear about the next expedition, because I am definitely coming."
Many of the shop mobbers proceeded to other shops on Main Street
The location of the first shop mob was chosen through a random draw. There will be future shop mobs and interested parties can contact Carey Baker at the Unity Town Office at 306-228-2621 or email him at [email protected]
