Colleyville cashes in on popular cash mobs

You’ve heard of a flash mob, right?

Colleyville has cashed in on cash mobs.

Cash mobs are random, spur-of-the-moment events where people can come together to support local businesses.

The member business hosting the cash mob offers special discounts and fun activities.

Last week, the site was Bahama Buck’s — Original Shaved Ice Company.

Employee Landee Calvert, 18, of Keller, enjoyed participating in handout discount treats.

“I love a good party,” said the graduating senior at Fossil Ridge High School.

Fellow employee Karsen Keith, 18, of Southlake, agreed.

He had never heard of a cash mob, but he was familiar with a flash mob where “where people spontaneously dance and get people’s attention.”

The Carroll High School graduating senior enjoyed the festivities, saying, “It’s fun having a party in the store.”

Here’s how it works: Shortly before a cash mob event, the city reveals the location on Facebook, on Twitter and via email. It’s an opportunity to shop, meet new people and support area businesses, said Lisa Escobedo, Colleyville’s recreation manager, who stopped by to join the fun.

“It brings you to a business you might normally not come to,” she said.

Once the mob begins you can do whatever you want, city officials said, but mainly you should support the chosen local business by making a purchase, introduce yourself to fellow mobbers and, if possible, visit neighboring businesses.

Most importantly, patrons are supposed to have fun.

Bahama Buck’s was the city’s 27th cash mob.

The city’s cash mobs started with the goal of helping introduce residents to local businesses. It was an idea Mayor David Kelly borrowed from another city that he thought would work in Colleyville.

Shannon Hazen of Colleyville brought her daughter Hailey, 13, and son Walker, 10, and his friend Zack Keller to Bahama Buck’s, where they played board games supplied by the store.

“I live here and want to support the businesses,” Hazen said.

This story was originally published June 4, 2015 at 10:19 AM with the headline "Colleyville cashes in on popular cash mobs."