The trend of singing and dancing flash mobs might be fading out, but Oak Park is seeing a rush of cash mobs, as they’re being called.
A new local shopping initiative that focuses on small businesses in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park encourages followers on social media to think local when it comes to purchases. And, since it started in January, it has been designating one local business a week for followers to “mob” with buying power.
Les Trois Villages, or “The Three Villages” in French, is the name given to the group, which now has a Facebook page and a Twitter account. The idea was created by Wendy Planek, social media coordinator for OakParkApartments.com, who said a stronger local economy means a stronger market for her business, too.
Planek said being a part of a small business herself made her interested in supporting others.
“We know a lot of the small business owners here in Oak Park, and it made sense to make the people in the area aware of the power they have when it comes to supporting local businesses.”
With help from her colleague, Bill Erickson, the two put together the local shopping push and buzz began to spread about town.
Planek said OakParkApartments.com receives no monetary compensation from the businesses they promote through cash mobs.
The cash mobs, Erickson said, are intended to bring people into an individual store to make purchases as well as draw attention to the business.
“We don’t do just retailers – we include restaurants and coffee shops in the mobs, too,” Erickson said. “Our neighborhood has so much to offer.”
Cash mobs have been sent to retailers such as Careful Peach, Green Home Experts, Scratch and Sniff, and most recently, Marion Street Cheese Market on Valentine’s Day.
Marcus Lorhmann, a retail manager for Marion Street Cheese Market, said he saw a slight increase in customers on Tuesday, and a handful mentioned they were with the cash mob.
“Even though we didn’t see a gigantic mob of people breaking down our doors, I would say the sales met or exceeded our expectations and goals for the day,” Lohrmann said.
Lohrmann didn’t have exact figures to represent the increase in sales, but said Marion Street Cheese Market is very much behind the initiative.
“It’s great to see the effort,” Lorhmann said. “The more people that shop locally on an individual level, it seems to become a part of your consciousness. It’s an important aspect to this community.”
Planek admits she used to shop at mostly big box retailers, but has more recently been making an effort to make connections with local business owners.
“We’re trying to change people’s perceptions and spending habits,” Planek said. “If we can educate others on how valuable small businesses are – as both a resident and a taxpayer – we can continue to grow the vibrant business community. It makes sense for us to support the community.”
Planek said OakParkApartments.com receives no monetary compensation from the businesses they promote through cash mobs.
Cash mobs were coordinated once a week since the idea kicked off in early January, but Planek said they’re planning to scale back the initiative to once a month so as not to scare off residents.
“We don’t want people to get over-burdened,” Planek said. “This is more about education and encouraging people to change their shopping habits.”
For Les Trois Villages’ Facebook page, click here. For the Twitter account, click here.
