The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG - Last year Deanne Johnson was inspired by a television show in which a struggling east coast business was helped through economic difficulties by locals supporting the business with cash mob style shopping days. "I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if we did that here," said Johnson.

Johnson called the Waitsburg shopping days "What If?" Days and encouraged locals to grab friends and spend a few bucks at a local business. "I asked people to take someone they know to the business. Maybe they won't find anything they need, but they might know someone who would be interested," she said.

Last year, customers "mobbed" Et Ceteras, the Waitsburg Hardware Store, and Joy's Antiques and Collectibles. With warmer days calling people out of doors, Johnson is ready to start up again. She has set this weekend (April 12-13) as the first "What If?" weekend of 2014, and is asking people to support Coppei Coffee at 137 Main Street.

Coppei Coffee is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. until "there are no more people" on Sunday.

Johnson plans to initiate one "What If?" day each month.