By HANA KIM
6 News Anchor/Reporter
OAK RIDGE (WATE) - It's a movement gaining traction and promising to boost the economy in Knoxville and Oak Ridge.
A cash mob is a flash mob but instead of singing, dancing or rioting, shoppers are asked to spend a small amount of money at an area business.
The Knox County Mayor's Office organized the first cash mobs in the area. Then on Saturday, the Young Professionals of Oak Ridge and the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce hosted a cash mob at Downtown Hardware on South Illinois Avenue.
On Monday when 6 News checked back in with Downtown Hardware, co-owner Roger Clary was on cloud nine.
"It turned out to be the best day of sales in 57 years since we've been in Oak Ridge. that's phenomenal. That's unbelievable," Clary said.
It was standing room only on Saturday. Customers old and new flocked to be part of the cash mob.
"We've really struggled in the last few years," said Clary.
So to triple your customers and quadruple your sales in one day has given the small business a big boost of confidence and customers a chance to boast about the service.
"I know the guys and they bend over backwards for me," said customer William Clowers.
But with the hype gone as quickly as it came, will the movement have a lasting impact? "During the cash mob, people said wow this is amazing. We are coming back," said Ron Emery.
Emery's 5&10 was the first business in East Tennessee chosen by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett to receive love from a cash mob.
So far the honeymoon is lasting. "It's been a tremendous boost to us," Emery said.
It doesn't hurt when your story goes viral. "We were interviewed by CNN, MSNBC. It's been amazing," Emery said.
"I hope it has a lasting impact and I think if they are concerned with local business they will continue to support them," said Clary.
The Knox County Mayor's Office says they plan to have a cash mob once a month as long as the public continues to support them. The next one will be the first that is not in South Knoxville.
The Young Professionals of Oak Ridge says they're working out the details, but also hope to have a cash mob once a month.
Downtown Hardware had its best day in 57 years.
