A new phenomenon, called “Cash Mobs,” is spreading across the country, changing the way people view local businesses.

Similar to flash mobs, Cash Mobs organize customers to spend money at struggling locally owned businesses to support their community.

The idea is the brainchild of Buffalo blogger and engineer Chris Smith, who said that Cash Mobs are sort of a reverse Groupon. Instead of offering people bargain-basement deals, people pay the regular price to support retailers in their communities.

In a time where many small, local businesses are struggling, victims of a fallen economy, the concept is a financial relief, serving to bring communities together.