New Sports Equipment Store Holds Grand Opening Today

People who live in and around Cranford who suffer from developmental disabilities now have a new place to develop their intellectual and social skills.

Green Sports NJ on North Union Avenue in downtown Cranford is celebrating its grand opening today. The store, which is sponsored by The Arc of Union County, employs four mentally-challenged individuals. The Arc is a not-for-profit organization that empowers and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Green Sports NJ sells used sporting equipment including everything from golf clubs to ice skates. All of its profits go to The Arc of Union County. The store opened two weeks ago and manager Damon Cooper said lots of people have been coming in.

“The community really loves the idea,” Cooper said.

Most of the four employees live in group homes in the area and are employed as cashiers and sales clerks at the store. The store also has a job coach who helps the workers.

Cooper graduated last May from Montclair State University. He wanted to become a teacher but had a tough time finding jobs. He read about the position through the Arc and immediately jumped at the opportunity. He grew up loving sports, has extensive experience in retail and was looking for a meaningful opportunity.

“The best part is working with the individuals [the employees],” Cooper said. “People are always telling them what they can’t do. This eliminates the ‘cant’s’.”

Cooper said every morning he does drills with the employees, like how to give correct change, checking inventory and interacting with customers. Sometimes he will pretend to be a particularly difficult customer in order to train the workers how to react in that situation.

Employee Rosanna Walcheski, 25, said she enjoys running the cash register at the store. She said she likes to see items ring up on the screen and give people change.Walcheski said she is having so much fun at the job and is thankful for the opportunity.

“The reason why I like having this job is so I can get money and buy the things I need,” she said.

Still, there are challenges for the store. Cooper said the hardest part of the job has been getting the word out about the store. It relies solely on donations. Cooper is currently running donation drives at several local schools, including at Hillside Avenue School in Cranford.

Cooper said not only is buying at the store a great way for people to support those in the local community but also to get great bargains.

Brand new or slightly used sports equipment is marked down about 25% off retail prices. Used products are 50% off and some items are even 75% off what you would pay at a commercial store.

“People are taken aback a little,” Cooper said about how some customers react to the low prices.

Mayor Daniel Aschenbach will be at the ribbon-cutting ceremony today. The festivities start at 11am and run until 3pm. A gift will be given out with every donation or purchase. Light refreshments will be served, there will be raffle prizes and the mascot for the Somerset Patriots, Sparky, is also expected to make a guest appearance.

Green Sports NJ is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-6pm. Donations can be dropped off any time during those times. If you need an emergency pickup, Cooper will come by your house. You may reach him at 201-407-7222.