Buyer Beware: Spiegel and Newport News, no customer returns or credits

Pictured: Siriano’s modern two-piece black suit for Spiegel

Back in early March, I blogged that Christian Siriano was launching a limited edition collection with Spiegel. I was truly excited to have the opportunity to buy lower priced Christian Siriano garments similar to some of his Oscar fashions and New York Fashion Week runway collections via Spiegel. Unfortunately, I was not as excited about the suit once it arrived and I tried it on. The suit was not for me.  So I returned it.

But the plot thickens, you see, Spiegel has declared bankruptcy, rather their parent company, Signature Styles, which also owns Newport News, has declared bankruptcy. Although their websites are still open for business and selling (all of the Christian Siriano collection is now on sale by the way),  they are not currently honoring gift cards or providing returns to their customers.  My whole order with them has been a debacle. It took months, then it finally arrived, and when I returned it no mas, zip! Zero refund. sadly,  I need to get in line with the other creditors. Creditors like Google who are seeking  $850,792 in payment from Signature Styles. This is the second bankruptcy filing for Signature Styles in 8 years.  Why not just go out of business? Why keep selling?

Here’s the note I got from Spiegel, after 60 days, about my return.  Currently, they do not answer the phone.
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Note from Spiegel
We apologize for having to make you aware of this situation. Signature Styles has filed for Bankruptcy protection and will not be able to honor existing gift cards or process customer credits for returns on orders shipped prior to June 7, 2011 at this time. We are working on a plan to move forward with a replacement for return credits. The plan will need to be approved by the court and may take a few months to be resolved. Customers affected by the Bankruptcy would have received notice in the mail by the end of July as to what to do and how to file a claim, etc. We assure you the notice will explain what procedure to follow in regards to filing a claim. We deeply regret this situation and are working diligently to work out a process to satisfy our customers to the best of our ability.

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Bottom line: Buyer beware!  Yes, Newport News and Spiegel are having big sales right now, but you have no assurance that the items will work for you, or that you will be able to get your money back if they don’t.  So if you see Christian Siriano and other great looking pieces on sale at Spiegel make an informed decision before you press the buy bottom.  I’m hoping American Express’ buyer protection program will come through for me here and help me get my $171.00 back from Spiegel.