The Cash Mob strikes again

WEST MILFORD — Support for local businesses seems to be growing, as at least 45 people turned out on Saturday afternoon for the second West Milford Cash Mob, sponsored by Sustainable West Milford and the West Milford Chamber of Commerce. The energy was high as the mob gathered in the Wells Fargo parking lot and last month’s Cash Mob benefactor Mike Russo of Computer Discount of NJ, shared his thanks and appreciation for last month’s mobbing and pledged his support for future efforts.

What's a Cash Mob?

The mob then got in their cars and headed off to the Flags and Silver Gift store, owned by long-time West Milford resident Andy Abdul. This unique store offers a variety of gifts, jewelry and of course flags. Mobbers were pleased with what they found and made many purchases.
Mobbers are a friendly bunch and many new friends were made as we waited to find out what store was to be mobbed.
"I was so pleased to see almost half of this month’s participants were new," said Sustainable West Milford President Dave Watson-Hallowell. "It really is very heartening and encouraging to see so many residents out showing their support for our locally-owned businesses."
For some, it was their first time in the store, and they were surprised at the variety of items offered. For one New York Giants fan, it was "just what I've been looking for" when he found the selection of Giants flags. For another, it was a chance to finally see what was in the store.
Abdul and his wife Kathy worked hard to be sure shoppers felt welcome with some refreshments while they shopped.

Celebrating a good thing

After the big shop, the group headed over to Joey's Vito and Michael’s Restaurant to toast another successful mobbing and after a few choruses of "We will, we will, mob you," the group was making plans for the next Cash Mob to be held on Oct. 27.

Want to be mobbed?

Watson-Hallowell visited many locally-owned businesses last week to inquire about their interest in participating in the Cash Mob program. The response was overwhelmingly positive and supportive. Not only were business owners interested in being mobbed, they were just as interested in finding out how they can support the program and each other in the process.
To be eligible to be mobbed, businesses must:

Be locally owned and operated. No franchises.
Be located within West Milford
Have a wide range of items for purchase of $20 or less

Get in the mix

Business cards of those participating businesses are put in a hat and one drawn randomly each month. It's free to the business. Participating businesses agree to promote the program each month and commit to sending at least two people to the event each month. (friends, family, customers, or themselves).
Selected businesses are contacted ahead of time so they can be prepared for the mob - too much of a surprise is not a good thing, organizers realize. The mob meets at pre-determined time and location and learns what store is to be mobbed. Then, they shop, have fun and celebrate afterwards.
For more information, contact Watson-Hallowell at 973-853-2139. Look for additional information on the West Milford Cash Mob at www.sustainablewestmilford.org or www.westmilford.com