County-Wide Cash Mob to Boost Chester County Local Businesses

July 24, 2012 - PRLog -- Small businesses across the country are benefiting from a phenomenon known as cash mobs, organized shopping gatherings aimed at boosting the local economy. A handful of Chester County businesses are gearing up for their own version of a cash mob thanks to an event called Chester County's Best Kept Secrets Tour.

The September 14th through 29th shopping, food, and fun adventure will showcase local, typically off-the-beaten path businesses while delighting tour-goers and stimulating the local economy. The first Chester County Tour in May sent hundreds of eager shoppers to 15 participating businesses, resulting in over ten thousand dollars in sales and a $924 donation to the Arc of Chester County.

Travel in your own vehicle between 22 hand-picked businesses to enjoy special things like refreshments, gifts, games, demos, tours, samples, and discounts the business owners have planned. Visit the stops at your leisure – do what you can in a day or take 16 days – it's up to you. Your ticket is valid the entire time! Plus, you'll collect raffle tickets at each location to enter to win prizes. Although the list of businesses is only revealed upon purchasing a ticket (that’s part of the fun secret!), you're sure to browse a variety of items including antiques - gifts - home & garden décor - jewelry, shoes, & accessories - farm fresh cheeses and mushrooms - artisan creations - confections - and more! The businesses are located throughout the county – from Elverson and Chester Springs in the north to Kennett Square and West Grove in the south –  but you shouldn't drive more than 20 minutes between places if you follow the suggested path.

Michele Scott, the Tour's organizer, fell in love with the original Best Kept Secrets Tour as a tour-goer in Lancaster County. “There's something about discovering unique items, business owners, and farmers in your own backyard” said Scott. “And since the majority of money spent in locally owned independent stores returns to the community, it's shopping you can feel good about.” May tour-goers, like Kathy from Downingtown, agreed. “I had a great time driving through areas of Chester County I'd never visited and meeting shop owners. Thanks for organizing this!”

Tickets for the September 14-29 Tour cost $7 each - with $1 per ticket donated to Bridge of Hope LCC which helps to end homelessness for women and children in Chester County. In addition to a Tour guide, map, and coupons from each business, the first 2,000 people to purchase tickets receive a shopping bag of promotional goodies as well.

To reserve tickets (after Aug 6):
Call 484.551.5180, or
Visit ShopChesterCounty.com

For more information, please contact Michele Scott at 484.551.5175 or owner@mommyforward.com.