Haringey Cashmob supporting the Big Green Bookshop

Earlier in the autumn I was involved along with Hugh from Harringay online in setting up a local “cashmob”. A cashmob, for those unfamiliar with the term is an interesting new way for people to act together in support of independent local businesses. This “shop local” movement emerged in New York about a year ago. Many of you will have heard about 'flash mobs' - groups of people, who assemble suddenly in a place, perform an unusual and fun activity and then disperse.

A cash mob is similar. It's a group of people who arrange to support a local business that could use the trade. They meet at an agreed time, spend an agreed amount and usually link a social activity for those involved, like all going for a drink, or a coffee together. The purpose is primarily to support valued local businesses and also to provide another chance for locals to meet up in a fun environment.

The first Haringey cashmob supported the traders at Harringay Market where over 70 people turned up (in the rain!) and the idea has spread across North London and elsewhere.

We’ve planned the next Haringey Cash mob for Sunday December 16th at the Big Green Bookshop, Brampton Park Road N22 just off Wood Green High Road.

This much loved independent bookshop run by Simon and Tim is a centre for all sorts of local activity – from author talks, children’s events, comedy nights, board games, knitting and so much more.

Not resting on their much deserved laurels BGB has plans to run a Wood Green Literary festival during 2013. Yet its public recognition is far wider than us local folks – recently the Independent newspaper identified the Big Green Bookshop as number two in the UKs Best Bookshops.

So as a practical way to show support for the type of local independent business we all want in our high streets a cash mob will assemble on the afternoon of Sunday December 16th between 2:00 pm and 2:30pm with a commitment to spend £10 at the Big Green Bookshop – there will be a chance to meet with your neighbours, buy some great Christmas presents and have some fun. After we’ll be going for a coffee to compare purchases and have a chat.

Please pass on the message to your friends via Twitter, Facebook. e-mail and pigeon post – use the hashtag #BGBcashmob so we can track the coverage. And please keep in touch by posting photographs of your purchases and book reviews online after the event.

If you can’t make the half hour slot 2-2:30pm, then nip into BGB anytime on Sunday 16th and tell Simon and Tim the Cashmob sent you!

We would like to drum up a bit more support – maybe with some leafleting –please get in touch if you can help in any way, provide additional entertainment or have any other ideas to support the Big Green Bookshop cashmob.

2 members like this

Comment by Lindsey Berthoud on December 7, 2012 at 13:19: Hooray - I'll be there! I can probably get this a mention on Londonist too.

Comment by Rachella Sinclair on December 11, 2012 at 9:21: I'm sharing this on Noel Park net

Comment by Richard McKeever on December 11, 2012 at 11:14: The Bookseller magazine has included coverage of the Cash Mob in its online edition today looks like it will be a big event!

Please pass it on to your friends

Comment by Richard McKeever on December 11, 2012 at 11:42: Fantastic to see the Londonist supporting the Big Green Bookshop Cash Mob - see coverage here

Comment by Richard McKeever on December 13, 2012 at 10:59: Further coverage of the Big Green Bookshop - on the Tottenham and Wood Green Journal, and also the item below in the Evening Standard last night:

Comment by Richard McKeever on December 16, 2012 at 23:19: Great to see so many people at the Cash Mob at Big Green Books today - over 70 people turned up waving their £10 notes to support the Cash Mob, buy some great books, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies provided by Tim and Simon ... and to meet up with other book loving neighbours.

Alongside the cash injection for the shop the activity helped to raise the profile of an independent trader - reminding them how much they are appreciated locally - and gives customers the oppportunity to positively use the power of the pounds in their pockets and purses!

Tim - co-owner of Big Green Bookshop greets a section of the CashMob

Many Thanks to Rachella from Noel Park Net for the photographs

Comment by Richard McKeever on December 16, 2012 at 23:37: Many thanks to Jude Habib - for sharing this AudioBoo interview with Simon Key

"...Once you get through the door - you're part of the Gang!"

listen to ‘Simon Key co-owner Big Green Book Shop N22 ’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Big Green Book Shop Cashmob #bgcashmob ’ on Audioboo

Comment by Lindsey Berthoud on December 17, 2012 at 8:07: Well done Richard for organising! Great turn out, great spirit, great shopping.

Now, where next?

Comment by Richard McKeever on December 17, 2012 at 11:24: Thanks all who came along to the Cashmob - here is a video of Simon and Tim from the Big Green Bookshop - responding to the crowd:

Comment by Richard McKeever on December 18, 2012 at 10:39: More press coverage of the Big Green Bookshop cashmob in a full page article in todays copy of Le Temps a Swiss national newspaper produced in French. (Free registration required to read article online).

The article from the print edition is reproduced below: (click to enlarge)