Stacey Ledbetter knows a good idea when she sees one.
After reading in a national magazine about Cash Mobs -- a group of people who go to local and independent businesses at a given time to give the business owner a financial boost -- she decided to organize them in Kalamazoo. And the Black Cash Mob was born.
Ledbetter says it’s been exciting to see so many people committed to the economic vitality of the community. At least 10 different organizations and at least 150 people have participated in the Cash Mobs, so far. Cash mobs formed in May and June and there are tentative plans for a July gathering.
Business owners are given a heads up that the group will be coming so they are prepared with enough merchandise and staff to handle a sudden rush of business.
The reaction to the gatherings? "Wow, this is great," Ledbetter says.
The group first descended on a relatively new business,
Jazzi's Town Beauty, located at 276 E. Michigan Ave. giving Jazzi’s its most profitable day since it opened about 18 months ago. At least 100 participants showed up with the commitment to make purchases of at least $5 each.
Business owner Robin "Jazzi" Franklin benefitted not only by the burst of business but from new exposure to potential customers. Many of the Cash Mob participants previously had never been to the shop. The beauty supply store sells hair care products, high-quality wigs and weaving hair, and other items for a diverse customer base.
Franklin told Ledbetter she was especially happy to see all those who had never shopped at her store before: "This was a blessing, more than you know. I had never heard of this before and didn't know what to expect.”
For its second outing, the Cash Mob visited
Park Street Market, 512 N. Park. Dozens of people turned out specifically for this event, committed to spend at least $20 each. Some who couldn’t be at the event the day mob arrived promised to shop at the store during the following week.
The Park Street Market is a grocery store that maintains a minimum 40 percent African-American employment rate, Ledbetter says. It provides quality groceries, fresh produce and meats at a convenient location in the Northside Neighborhood. They also allowed event organizers to conduct a voter registration drive during the event.
The staff at Park Street Market told Ledbetter they appreciated this positive community initiative. Manager Dean Sadek told Ledbetter: "The Black Cash Mob was great and can come back any time!"
Ledbetter says the events are an economic empowerment initiative to support African-American and other selected businesses in Kalamazoo County. The group has a motto, too: "Many of us spending a little will mean a lot."
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Stacey Ledbetter
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