Cash Mob Philly to Invade Manayunk

There's a cash mob storming Manayunk—and that's a good thing.

Organized by Cash Mob Philly founder Shahrzad "Shaz" Kojouri, a flurry of eager shoppers will take to Main Street March 1 with one objective: aiding small businesses.

"Especially in this economy, I know people want the deals from corporations," Kojouri, 30, said. "But Cash Mob Philly is about showing that local businesses have good deals, too, and the ripple effect from buying at a local business, who also supports the local economy, is huge. It's something I believe in."

How a Cash Mob Works

Kojouri's friend, Andrew Samtoy, turned her onto the idea after he started the Cleveland version of the growing national and international trend. Already more than 110 cash mobs exist across the United State and Canada, with further international expansion in the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea and Sweden.

Mainly organized through Twitter, Cash Mob Philly announces its targets—in this case and in Manayunk—and a time for people to convene (March 1, 6:30 p.m.).

"We hold out our cash, and everyone enters the shop for about an hour... then head to a local restaurant and spend money there, too," she said.

"Super excited" is how Main Street Music's Jamie Blood described the shops enthusiasm.

"We were really surprised. I follow small business stuff and have been reading about (cash mobs) for a while. When they reached out, we were just floored," Blood said.

The shop recently acquired a good amount of used vinyls and CDs, and will sport new releases, as well. Blood said U.S. Hotel would provide some snacks, and maybe wine and beer, before folks head across the street for a special, which features 25-cent wings, $3 Bud Lights and $4 vodka mixers.

What's In a Name?

In possibly any other city nationwide, "flash mob" evokes thoughts of groups spontaneously breaking into song. However, teen flash mob violence in 2011 left a sour taste in the mouth of Philadelphians.

Even in Roxborough, , where college students convene in droves at houses where they don't even know the tenants.

For Kojouri, the trick is convincing businesses that Cash Mob Philly is working to help, not hurt them.

"We stared here in December, and it's been hard. I've gotten some resistance but once I get it in front of a business owner, they are interested," she said.

The organization itself is just a rallying cry for small businesses. Kojouri and Cash Mob don't make any profit on the effort, but instead just get enjoyment from a good deed done.

"I began hearing about 'Small Business Saturdays,' and as child of a small-business mother, I've always shopped local," said Kojouri, who is a Center City lawyer.

A Mob a Month

Kojouri intends on a monthly Cash Mob in the city and near suburbs. Already, Cash Mob hit Ali's Wagon in Fairmount. She chose the two Manayunk shops for their longevity and interest in participating, and hopes to find willing businesses elsewhere. 

Up next, she's looking at Glenside. March 24 is National Cash Mob Day, so she wants to a solid effort for that.

For more information, visit Cash Mob Philly's Twitter or Facebook pages.