Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

KANSAS CITY, MO. -- Local business owners in the Kansas City area are thrilled with a surprised influx of shoppers called Cash Mobs.

Everyone has heard of a Flash Mob but now there's a new Trend called a --Cash Mob-- and it's helping small businesses all over the Kansas City area.

KCTV's Alan Shope reports.

Pam King Has $10 bucks in her hands ... and she knows exactly how she's going to spend it.

Cash Mob Shopper Pam King says, "I bought coffee over there, then put it in my car cause it's kinda hot, now I'm gonna buy some chocolates"

King Is part of a new trend of folks doing all they can to help small and --locally-- owned independent businesses.

They are called Cash Mobs... Basically a group of people who commit to spending a few dollars, all at one time at a small business.

Th small business owners are amazed by the idea.

T. Jensen Owner, Hi Hat Coffee says, "That's the cool thing that somebody cared so much about small business in KC to try and you know start something from the grass roots and build it up"

Business owner, Lori Owens says, "The interest has been phenominal! So yeah, we're having a great time" 

It's an idea that's only been around since August. The cash mob movement was started in buffalo new York, and this is believed to be the first of its kind ever in Kansas city.

Cash Mob Organizer Burton Kelso says,  "It's so easy for people to go into the big box stores and it's time that the little businesses get to have they're say and start to get more revenue for themselves."

"I think giving all the exposure to one group of businesses all at the same time is really great. 

People having the opportunity to come in and check out the businesses , it's going to creat rerun customers for sure. And that's exactly what these small businesses are counting on.

In Kansas City, Alan Shope KCTV 5 news.

(This story from CBS via KCTV)