A local discount store turned into a scene of excitement and chaos when social media influencer Juan Gonzalez, known as “ThatWasEpic” to his 7.8 million YouTube subscribers, announced a surprise $10,000 shopping spree for community members.
The giveaway at DD’s Discounts on 20th Street and Thomas Road drew hundreds of shoppers Tuesday, forcing the store to stop admitting customers within 25 minutes of Gonzalez’s social media announcement, according to police officials. The event is part of a series of community giveback initiatives by the content creator in the Phoenix area.
“Three items per person. First come first serve. See you here,” Gonzalez announced to his 11 million Facebook followers, triggering an immediate response from local residents.
Among the successful shoppers was Daisy Duarte, a nearby resident who rushed to the store after receiving a tip from her son. “It’s good to be out because I was getting anxiety in there,” Duarte said after emerging with clothes, a purse, and a child’s dining chair for her grandson. “There was so much people.”
This isn’t Gonzalez’s first generous gesture in Phoenix. Just days earlier, he created similar excitement by placing a $10,000 credit at a gas station near 16th Street and Thomas Road. The gas giveaway had to be shut down by police due to traffic congestion before the full amount could be distributed, according to the store’s manager.
The YouTuber also supported local businesses, putting down $10,000 at Juanderful Tacos on Camelback Road, a restaurant that recently won Phoenix New Times’ Best Tacos award in 2024. “It was an amazing experience despite the fact that we were not prepared for it at all,” said Juan Robles, the store’s co-owner.
Gonzalez, who has been creating content for a decade, has evolved his channel from pranks to community giving. “This is going to be a staple of what we do on the channel — releasing business locations that are useful for the community,” he said, indicating plans to expand these giveaways to other cities.
While some local shoppers were caught off guard by the crowd at DD’s Discounts, the community’s response has been largely positive. One Spanish-speaking woman, who was initially unable to enter the store for her regular shopping, praised Gonzalez’s “good heart.”
The social media star’s recent actions represent a growing trend of content creators using their platforms for community outreach, turning social media influence into real-world impact for local communities.
