Cash mob

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce has cooked up another interesting idea to get consumers to spend their dollars locally.

I'm sure, by now, you have heard of a flash mob -- where a group will spontaneously break out in song or dance at a public place to the surprise of those around them. Well, the Chamber has its own take.

The organization will sponsor its first "cash mob" 3 p.m. March 24 at the Main Street Bazaar in Lakewood Ranch. The cash mob is a fast-paced shopping event designed to draw foot-traffic to the host location, with the idea that once shoppers get there, they will buy something.

The Main Street Bazaar was picked from a hat to house the inaugural event.

The Chamber plans to host future cash mob events in the future, with estimations that 73 percent of dollars spent at local businesses stay within the community.

“Encouraging consumers to spending their money locally couldn’t be more important than in this time of economic recovery,” Manatee Chamber President Bob Bartz said in a statement.  “Shopping in the Manatee County region saves jobs, preserves our local flavor, and reduces environmental impact and transportation costs."

So, have you ever seen a flash mob break out? Was it fun or awkward? And will the concept translate into retail sales?

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