The Cochrane Cash Mob made its initial strike March 27, hitting up the charming duo of Heavenly Outhouse and Poor David’s.
Between 15 and 20 residents turned up for the first running of the event, battling the snowy weather and coming together to support the two small businesses.
The swarming resulted in more than $1,000 worth of sales, said Karrie Peace, owner of the shops.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but it was so amazing,” she said.
“The mob left me feeling differently about doing business here in Cochrane. I felt really supported. It’s more than business, it’s about community.”
Business has been slow, Peace said. However, she chalks the lull up to poor weather and not to the opening of the Quarry site’s Wal-Mart.
The mobsters met in the Rexall parking lot before heading to the participating business, armed with at least $20 to spend at the chosen shop. The selected businesses were revealed at that time.
Vivian Cox is the mastermind behind the local mob. Former executive director of the Stony Plain and District Chamber of Commerce, Cox witnessed the success of a cash mob in Stony Plain/Spruce Grove; she said the mob generated about $16,000 in sales during its 14-month run.
The cash mobs do more than increase sales for the locally owned businesses — the events are geared towards breathing life back into downtown areas.
She said she was happy with the turnout here in Cochrane, especially considering the less-than-ideal weather.
She added that she’s already been in contact with a number of local businesses about future mobs. Ideally, she said she’d like to run one event each month.
“The message was clear: (the shops) are an important part of the community,” Peace remarked. “People are glad we’re here. As word spreads, these mobs are going to ignite a passion for the downtown.”
For more, visit the Cochrane Cash Mob Facebook page.
