In December I received a $240 sweater for Christmas that was purchased at Certain Things. I had recently had 2 deaths in my immediate family and was dealing with issues related to these deaths over the holidays in Greensboro, about 90 miles away. I was out of town most of the holiday. The sweater did not fit, and in the 3rd week of January I took the sweater to exchange it. The store's owner told me that I could not exchange it because items purchased for Christmas had to be returned by January 1. My husband, who gave me the gift, was not aware of this policy. I later found it printed in small print on the receipt.
I begged the owner in person, by phone, and via mail to accept the sweater for return. She refused, but finally said she would accept it for return for a sale item for 50% of the price of the sweater. She had only about 20 sweaters on sale, none that I wanted. I said no, and then filed reports with the Better Business Bureau and other consumer agencies. Each time, the owner responded to the agencies with letters stating that small boutiques do not accept returns more than a week after purchase.
Meanwhile, I talked with two other people who have had the same experience. I am going to encourage them to also file a report.
I am also going to file in small claims court for the price of the sweater plus $1000 in damages.
Sarah
Raleigh, North Carolina
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