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October 9, 2012Flash mobs have become well known. Now the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority is introducing the cash mob. The event is planned to take place at JuJu’s Boutique, 7808 Main St. in Houma between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Oct. 17.
“It is the first of a series of small businesses TEDA and its partners plan to mob,” TEDA Outreach Liaison Brandi Roach said in a news release. “The entire community is encouraged to come out and support Terrebonne Parish’s small businesses.”
Planning the cash mob project began in 2011 as a socially conscious spin-off of the trendy flash mob. Typically, flash mobs gather hundreds of people together for ‘spontaneous’ rehearsed performances. Cash mobs, according to Roach, use social media sites to gather a community in support of small local businesses.
During the Houma event, mobbers agree to spend $10 to $20 at a designated site and time to create a mini economic stimulus for the business owner. The goal is intended to both boost sales for that day and promote community support in local shopping.
Mob-worthy businesses include minority or family owned, financially struggling or businesses that routinely give back to the community.
“When we heard about the cash mob as a way to generate excitement and business for local merchants, we thought it was a great idea [for] local business owners [to] invest in this community,” JuJu’s owner Sheri Duplantis said in a printed statement. “We live and work here and support local causes and schools. It can sometimes be difficult for small businesses to compete with national chains, especially on price. The cash mob will meet on the Terrebonne Parish Courthouse Square and walk together to JuJu’s Boutique. Organizers said each mobber has agreed to spend $20 within one hour. Professionals are encouraged to wear something with their company’s logo to draw attention to their business. JuJu’s Boutique, plans to spice-up the activity for participants making a minimum $20 purchase by conducting a drawing for Saints vs. Tampa Bay tickets.
For information, call 985-873-6890.
