Baabals Ice Cream and Coffee Shoppe was the site of MountainCredit Union's first ever “cash mob” on Friday.

Cash mobs, which are campaigns to support local businesses bybuying their products and services, continue to grow inpopularity.

The $152 million Mountain CU in Waynesville, N.C., said it wasinspired by state leagues, credit unions and CUSOs that have participated in similarevents nationwide.

The cooperative started creating buzz for its cash mob with a“Featured Business of the Month” highlight on its Facebookpage.

“We wanted to show how much Mountain Credit Union supports small, family owned localbusinesses in our area who also support the credit union philosophyof 'people helping people,'” said Chris Angel, business developmentdirector at the credit union.

The Fletcher, N.C.-based Baabals was an obvious choice forMountain CU's first attempt with a cash mob because of itsdedication to the local community and its social media presence,which helped the credit union get the word out about the event,Angel added.

“We really appreciate the extra buzz and publicity that thisevent gave our business,” said Roy Dickerson, owner of Baabals.“Our normal Friday business was doubled and we saw a lot of newfolks who hadn't been in to our shop before. So overall, we thinkit was a great success.”

Baabals is a family owned and operated business that featurespremium ice creams, coffees, and homemade desserts, according toMountain CU. The shop also has board games, outdoor games and Wi-Fiavailability.

Mountain CU said plans are already under way to choose anotherlocal business for its featured business of the month and cash mobfor May.