Gig Harbor's First Cash Mob to be Held at Wild Birds Unlimited

Information provided by the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association.

Mobs are making their way to the historic Gig Harbor waterfront. Not the mobs you might think, but “Cash Mobs”, made up of ordinary citizens who want to support small businesses in downtown Gig Harbor.

The Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association is inviting local residents to participate in Gig Harbor’s first Cash Mob on Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at .

Cash mob events, usually organized through email or social media such as Facebook, are designed to steer shoppers into local businesses to spend money. The surge of paying customers supports community businesses and the local economy.

Each cash mob event targets one downtown small business. Shoppers are encouraged to arrive at a certain date and time, and to spend  $20 (or more) at that business. As a matter of fact, the “mob” of shoppers who arrive are encouraged to follow these three guidelines:

1. Spend $20
2. Meet three new people
3. Have fun!

Marilyn Sisson, store manager at Wild Birds Unlimited, is busy preparing for the mob, and plans to offer something extra to mobsters who support the store during the event.

"With a purchase of $25 or more, mob shoppers will receive $5 off," Sisson said. "We'll also have a great coupon special for any mobster who makes a purchase, good on their next visit.”

The store specializes in bird feed and supplies and has been part of the historic downtown for nearly 20 years.

An “aftermob” celebration will be held afterward at , which is located adjacent to Wild Birds Unlimited. At the aftermob event, Kelly's will be offering their three combo meals at $2 off the regular price.

 The Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association contacted waterfront merchants to determine if they were interested in participating in a cash mob event. Those who responded “yes” were put into a drawing and a selection was made.

The Downtown Gig Harbor Cash Mobs are organized by the . For additional information contact Josh Sherwin, GHHWA Special Projects Coordinator, at 360-990-9720.