Gobs of cash arrive with the mob

Twice a month delirious mobs descend upon unsuspecting businesses in the Allen-Fairview area to throw away money. Needless to say, reception has been great. But not for those looking to show up and grab some of that cash; for the business where it's happening!

And it is happening.

Allen-Fairview Chamber of Commerce members receive an email asking for a commitment to spend at least $20 with a selected retailer at a certain time, on a certain date. Participants aren't aware of the site until shortly before the fun starts. Then, an unsuspecting retailer is greeted with a plethora of fellow Chamber members tooting horns, bringing balloons, sporting signs and maybe even popping corks while the merchant watches their shop get flooded with new customers who, on that special day often double their sales!

Chamber president Sharon Mayer related she heard of the idea in other parts of the country and decided "to put it out there" to the local chamber members. The idea has taken off.

"We've done it five times now," Mayer said. "And we end up with anywhere from 10-20 members showing up, usually. We meet about 10 minutes before, and then we go in all at one time. It's heartwarming. They have been shocked. They have been standing there with their mouths open.

"Others have said, 'You have no idea how much we needed that cash. Business was just so slow.' And that's the part that keeps us doing it," Mayer said.

So the idea has an encouragement aspect to it, as well as helping to infuse the local economy. Mayer said it is also helping to spotlight some relatively unknown businesses.

"I think kind of a side benefit to this whole thing is we have been able to identify some small businesses that maybe are not main stream and give them some notice, and to introduce people to some other businesses that they may have not have known about," Mayer said. "It's given them a chance to get a little bit of exposure."

For instance, Mayer noted a recent recipient included a business in The Village at Fairview called The Elegant Door. She said the name might have misled some people in that the store retails home décor and accessories, including antiques, but not doors for houses.

Bronwyn McWatters owns The Elegant Door. She said the surprise she received from the Cash Mob was a delight.

"It was such a surprise, actually. It was the ultimate surprise to see so many people walking in with such a big banner," McWatters said. "I was so happy because their support was wonderful and it had such a positive impact on the day itself. We had a great day as far as our sales went that day.

"It [also] gave me an opportunity to meet some of the other Chamber members," McWatters continued. "And because they have now supported me in such an influential way, I am now committed to helping the Chamber more. I believe that is important."

Mayer pointed out the first store to be so lucky to have the Cash Mob show up at its door proved to be a boon for the city's coffers, too.

"They [Cash Mob] spent over $600 in one hour, and, you know, that's pretty good sales tax dollars coming back into the City of Allen."

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