Wickford Stores Get 'Mobbed'

Wickford got a taste of the cash mob fever that's been sweeping the country. As event organizer and fellow local business owner Alexandra Miller put it, a cash mob is "similar to a flash mob, but instead of everyone showing up and dancing around and doing something silly, we show up with $20 and support a local business."

The identity of the mystery merchant was kept secret until shoppers arrived at the rendezvous point behind Rite Aid in Wickford Thursday evening.

So who got 'mobbed'?

The group of about 30 shoppers actually got to shop at two stores as Miller (who owns Johnny's Barkin' Bakery in South Kingstown) chose and the – both owned by the Beebe family. (Check out our video above to hear the group's reaction when the business' identity is revealed.)

Though a good portion of the cash mob shoppers were from the area, some had a longer trek to partake in the even – including Nini Silva who drove from Burrillville down to Wickford for her first cash mob. Another local business owner, Silva runs the dog fitness club CHI (Canine Human Interaction).

"The whole idea is to get out of the big box stores and come to help support local businesses," said Robert Smith of the Rhode Island Cash Mob.

Though it was nearing the end of the business day, JW Graham and Yes! Gallery employees eagerly assisted shoppers in finding the perfect item (or items) to spend their $20 (or more) on. The sight of shoppers milling around during what is considered Wickford Village's "offseason" was a welcome one for manager Kerry Rollinson.

"We go from crazy Christmas to slow to busy during Valentine's Day then slow again until Mother's Day. So having this here now is super exciting," said Rollinson.

Rhode Island saw its first cash mob just a few months ago in January at Jennifer's Chocolates in South Kingstown. Follow the Rhode Island Cash Mob on Facebook to see where the mob is going next.