January '08 I placed a deposit on furniture with Home Gallery Furniture Superstores in Palmdale, CA. The items were to be delivered in 6 - 8 weeks. I followed up after 8 weeks, and was told the furniture would be delivered in about 1 1/2 weeks.
After two more weeks, I called to check, and was told "soon." After two more weeks I called again, this time I was told that the store was going out of business. The person went on to say that they had already closed their Victorville store. They had sent letters to everyone, didn't I get my letter?
Two days later, I tried to call, but all lines went to voice mail, and all mailboxes were full, with the exception of the warehouse. A very pleasant man informed me that my furniture was showing as having been scheduled to arrive on March 28 (it was now March 31.) He went on to say "no one knows where the furniture is."
I asked if someone could check. He gave me the name of the woman that supposedly places the orders with the suppliers.
We decided to drive to Palmdale since we couldn't get through to anyone else by phone. At the store, it was evident something was going on, as most of the nicer pieces were gone. After talking to several folks, including the "Sales Manager" it became clear that we most likely will NEVER see our money or furniture. We also discovered that the city was entered incorrectly, which they used as an excuse for why I did not receive the letter that apparently told of the store closing and my choice to come to the store and select something from existing inventory.
The Sales Manager refused to refund the deposit; to call the supplier to find out the status of the shipment. He offiered our choice of the remainder of the shopworn merchandise on the floor, which is totally unsatisfactory. What a clever way of disposing of useless inventory.
I called back the next day, and the entire story had changed. Now my order has to be placed again, which starts the entire clock (6 - 8 weeks) running all over. What assurance do I have that the doors won't be locked by the end of this week?
Steve Moniz, the owner was onsite, but too cowardly to talk with us. He has now disconnected his home telephone. He has shielded himself behind layers of employees. The man comes across as an unscrupulous coward and conman.
It is my assessent that Mr. Moniz drew too much money out of the business, and his suppliers have cut him off.
There are other reports of his poor business conduct, which we discovered too late.
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