Bridal Shop To Reimburse Consumers

BOSTON -- A Leominster bridal shop will reimburse consumers for failing to provide merchandise after the company reached an agreement Tuesday with the attorney general's office.

Attorney General Martha Coakley's office reached an agreement with Yours Truly Bridal Shop and its manager Linda Harvey resolving allegations that they failed to provide merchandise, including wedding gowns, tuxedos and bridesmaids dresses to consumers and return deposits to consumers who did not receive their merchandise.

The Assurance of Discontinuance, filed today in Suffolk Superior Court, alleges that Yours Truly and Harvey allegedly used unfair and deceptive business practices that affected the weddings of numerous consumers. As a result of the agreement, Yours Truly will pay approximately $2,900 in restitution to 10 consumers for merchandise they never received.

"When making large purchases, and particularly when it comes to special orders, consumers rely upon merchants to deal honestly and fairly," said Coakley. "Merchants who take advantage of that trust are in violation of the consumer protection laws and must be held accountable."

According to the agreement, the attorney general's office received numerous consumer complaints alleging that Yours Truly and Harvey induced future brides into making deposits for special-order gowns that either were not delivered by their promised date, never ordered or were improperly altered. Consumer complaints included misrepresentations of the status of the bridal gown order, refusal to refund deposits and avoidance of consumer inquiries.

As a result of the alleged actions many brides suffered financial damages and were forced to rearrange their wedding plans or, in one case, cancel the wedding date.

Yours Truly and Harvey agreed to resolve the allegations by paying $5,000 in civil penalties and nearly $600 in outstanding court judgments. The business closed in October 2007, but remains incorporated.

If Yours Truly opens for business again, the agreement requires the business to change its practices to ensure that future customers will be provided open and honest communication, delivery of orders in a timely manner and refund deposits for merchandise not delivered within two weeks of its promised date.

Additionally, if Yours Truly or Harvey reopens for business and violates any conditions of the agreement, a suspended penalty of $5,000 will be imposed.