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Computer Discount of NJ is mobbed

| 30 Aug 2012 | 12:00
    Some members of the Cash Mob posed outside of their target store: Computer Discounts of NJ.
    Some members of the Cash Mob posed outside of their target store: Computer Discounts of NJ.
    Stu Feldman, left, vice president of the West Milford Chamber of Commerce, looked pleased as the Cash Mob descended on Computer Discount of NJ last Saturday.
    Stu Feldman, left, vice president of the West Milford Chamber of Commerce, looked pleased as the Cash Mob descended on Computer Discount of NJ last Saturday.
    Shoppers mobbed CDNJ on Union Valley Road Saturday afternoon, shopping local and making a difference in the local economy.
    Shoppers mobbed CDNJ on Union Valley Road Saturday afternoon, shopping local and making a difference in the local economy.

WEST MILFORD — They let their cash do the talking.
Thirty-two shoppers turned out last Saturday for the first Cash Mob, sponsored by Sustainable West Milford and the West Milford Chamber of Commerce. Computer Discount of New Jersey was the lucky target store. Along with many smiles and feelings of good will, shoppers left behind more than $1,500 and bought some great merchandise right here in West Milford.
“We had a great time,” said David Watson-Hallowell, president of Sustainable West Milford. “We were pleased to see so many new faces and made some new friends. Everyone had a really good time, especially the store owners, Joe and Mike Russo.”
“I love the idea,” said Mike Russo, co-owner of the CDNJ along with his father, Joe. “We were definitely swamped, but that’s a good problem to have.”
Russo said he wants to pay it forward and participate in the next Cash Mob.
The Cash Mob is similar to a flash mob, however, instead of dancing and singing at a given location, they meet and dispense to a particular local business and spend some cash. The goal is to give a little economic stimulus to the local economy.
“They were thrilled with the outcome and look forward to supporting future Buy Local initiatives, including the next Cash Mob,” said Watson-Hallowell.
And there certainly will be a next cash mob. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 22. Meet at the Wells Fargo parking lot at 3:30 p.m. to find out where the next target of the Cash Mob will be. Organizers have suggested each participant be ready to spend $20 at the store.
Many of the cash mobbers had some suggestions for the next time, according to Watson-Hallowell, so he expects the September cash mob to be even better than this first one.
“Many shoppers were surprised at the low prices, great selection, and knowledge and helpfulness of store staff,” said Watson-Hallowell. All shoppers spending more than $50 received a coupon for $20 off their next purchase. Energy was high as the group moved over to UnCorked Wines to celebrate the difference they had made.
“The big takeaway for all participating was that we really can make a difference - all we have to do is Buy Local,” said Watson Hallowell. “We have some great stores here in town and if we want to keep them here, we need to shop there more often.”