The Man Behind the Machines

Laundromats are unique and vital stores in Anytown, USA. Some frequent them because they don't have washing machines and/or dryers at home. If available, many utilize dry cleaning devices. Others bring in "above and beyond" items for washing, like curtains and comforters, that can't be squeezed into the average home unit. 

Under its current ownership, in West Caldwell has been answering the call of wash needy and weary for 24 years (and even longer before that–the store has been a laundromat since at least the 1960s).

When word of a changing of ownership hit the Caldwells Patch news desk, this writer decided to pay Econ-O Wash a visit and get to the bottom of the laundry basket.

Getting Too Close For Comfort(er)

Upon walking in during this Friday night rush hour, I quickly realized that anytime is laundry time, or at least giant quilt emergency time. Just as I was walking in, a woman pulled up in front of the store and parked in a non-parking spot. Jumping out of her late-model SUV, she popped open her trunk and pulled out a comforter, the size of which could have been double queen. When she walked to the entrance, she was akin to a moving mass of fabric that swallowed a person down to his/her feet.

Inside, Econ-O Wash is retro-cool. It's a big, clean, store, with banks of washers, dryers and tables. A dry cleaning drop-off booth is in the back. Scattered throughout is some cool wall decor, courtesy of wall-mounted laundry bags. Signage abounds; there's the informative "40 lb. machines" which also features an arrow graphic, as well as directives–"remove clothes from dryer promptly!"

Doing the laundry takes time; diversions from such tedium are available in the form of electronic games of chance and magazines (real estate readers dominate). There's a Gatorade vending machine, presumably present to help keep launderers at peak performance levels, vintage change dispensers, and a "soap center" where customers can get some suds for their duds.

A missed opportunity may be selling books, as many customers were reading. Econ-O Wash regular and Caldwell College student Mike Vega went one step further, nursing a coffee and nibbling on a cookie from the nearby Starbucks while flipping through a magazine. 

"I come here once a week, after class," the computer science major says. Getting technical, he reveals it takes him about "an hour-and-a-half" (or an estimated one grande latte) to complete his load.

I spot owner James Mason, who in turn spots me. He knows I'm stopping in, but nonetheless at first I almost felt like an agitator. Moving about from the front of the store to the back, while talking to workers, with keys in his hands, Mason is definitely a man in motion. Still, I want to find out some information from this top loader, but due to his active state almost had to "shout it out." When he stopped by a folding table, I made my move and managed to get this prince of Tide's spin on all things Econ-O Wash.

Caldwells Patch: 

Where did you grow up, and how did you get your start in the Econ-O Wash world? 

Mason: 

I'm from Livingston. I had been working for my father's telephone answering service business, and then got into this. I once had two stores–here, and one in Lake Hiawatha. I have great customers ... (looking around) I fixed it up and built it up.

CP:

How has the business changed in the near quarter of a century?

JM:

It's changed a lot. The overhead got too high.

CP:

Are you referring to water?

JM (rolls eyes, pauses, and says regretfully):

I want to say that West Caldwell treated me unfair–they raised the water and sewer bill 40%. They should have come down. I got a great location, but the water ...

James continues to talk about other ways he's kept his business afloat in the face of rising operating costs:

"I tried my best to keep the place clean. Every Wednesday, I'd do free washes for seniors."

CP:

And the electric?

JM (rolls eyes again):

The electric bill is outrageous. About a year ago, I started doing the dry cleaning. It helped, but not enough.

CP:

So, you're selling the business?

JM:

Yes, I'm waiting on the closing, I hope it goes through.

CP:

Are you going to retire?

JM:

I am going to work for the new owner, part-time.

CP:

Let's talk about another aspect of the business: have you ever found anything interesting left behind in the machines?

JM:

Hundred dollar bills and crayons.

After our chat, James switched back to his Econ-O Wash business cycle. I take some photos, and ask employee Candy McGrady what kind of detergent the store uses to wash drop 'n' go loads. 

"Whatever's on sale!"

Here are some other Econ-O Wash facts (subject to change):

Price of average load:

$3.50 (top loading machine)

Dryer cost:

$0.25 for 8 minutes

Cost for dry cleaning a shirt:

$1.90

Extra fun fact:

In 1984, members of the band Night Ranger (who were in the midst of major success with their song "Sister Christian") appeared at this location to wash their clothes. They were in town to perform at Caldwell College. It is unknown if there stage attire was washed during their landmark laundromat visit.