It’s gone from – one store, one hour, one mob – to three stores, 10 hours, in-person or online.
The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is resurrecting its Cash Mob promotion, which debuted in Penticton one year ago – unveiling a new hybrid version allowing staff and patrons to stay safe during the pandemic.
The event takes place Wednesday, Oct. 21 starting at 10 am., and involves Ascend Salon, KOJO Penticton and Skaha Pizza.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on everyone’s life. The pain can certainly be witnessed first hand at many businesses throughout the Okanagan.
Taking into account this is Small Business Week, the Chamber has come up with a way to show support for local business.
“They’re all super excited to be hosting. It’s just one more shopping opportunity for people,” said Chamber event coordinator Terri Phillips. “And rather than one store, one hour, one mob – we’re now supporting three businesses, just like the Business Excellence Awards.
“This is our way to let people know they have their choice where they want to go, and to support local business.“
The last cash mob took place June 30th at Eskala Sports. Since then, the Chamber has scaled back its promotions due to pandemic protocols, while also continuing to promote local shopping.
“We started the cash mob during Small Business Week, and we thought there’s no better way to support small businesses than to move forward with our Chamber cash mob,” said Phillips. “We are stepping out of our comfort zone and hosting it. We’re partnering with three locally-owned small businesses at the south end of town. You have the opportunity to visit them in person or shop online.”
The Chamber has also partnered with CIBC to sponsor all 2020 cash mob events.
The Chamber encourages each cash mobber to spend a minimum of $20 at one of the host businesses.
You can also help these small businesses by purchasing gift cards, grabbing lunch for your team, neighbour, teachers, or local not-for-profit, supporting the Take-Out-Wednesday initiative, getting an early start on Christmas shopping, or just inviting family, friends, or co-workers out for lunch.
“As it’s cooling off and things are beginning to slow a bit for some of our businesses, we thought we really needed to bring back the Chamber cash mob, because the whole purpose of it is to support local, shop local, and invest our money into our local businesses,” added Phillips. “These businesses are really close to one another. We’re asking everyone to visit the host business website and their Facebook page right now to check out their specials for the day.”
The Chamber is also planning one more cash mob in 2020, for sometime in November, with, or course, a Christmas theme.
For more details on the Oct. 21 Chamber Cash Mob, click here.
