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Thursday, January 10, 2013

Bad Luck For Those Who Bought Holiday Gift Certificates At Providence Day Spa On Atlantic Avenue

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Two separate readers informed me recently that Providence Day Spa at 329 Atlantic Avenue near Hoyt Street had closed its doors shortly before Christmas.  Sure enough, when I walked by the place, the gates were down.   Taped to the door was a notice from the NYC Marshall's Office, indicating that the building's owner was granted legal possession of the premises in early December.  A 'For Rent' sign from Boerum Hill Realty was already hung on the storefront.

Many of you may remember that a few years ago, Providence Hogan, the owner of Providence Day Spa was found guilty of stealing more than $82,000 from Cobble Hill's Public School 29 Parent Teacher Association while she served as treasurer.

She managed to stay out of jail by repaying over $50,000 to the PTA and agreeing to a quarterly payment schedule for the rest.
In August 2011, the Brooklyn Paper reported that she also owned $40,000 in back rent on her business.  Obviously, she never caught up with those rent payments.

Just before the business closed, the spa ran a couple of  pre-paid specials and sol Holiday gift certificates.  Some customers are now wondering how they will get reimbursed.
One customer left the following message on the business' Facebook Page:
"What?! Why advertise christmas gift certificates if its closed down?? How are we getting reimbursed? I bought 2."
Another writes:
"I would like to know as well. I bought my daughter a gift certificate for Christmas. Phone disconnected and no response from email."
And yet another states:
"Need to be reimbursed for gift certificates that are valid for the next 3 and 11 months."

These customers probably won't get their money back.
Where you one of those who purchased a gift certificate? Please let us know.



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5 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 10, 2013 2:44 PM

    I am one such person. It's well within the 60 day window to challenge a charge with Amex, and I have already done so. If others are in the same boat, either seek to use a challenge to the credit for unused value or try to use purchase insurance if you have it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2013 10:01 AM

    Better Business Bureau should refund your money, but it might take a little while.

    ReplyDelete
  3. bklyn77January 11, 2013 10:48 AM

    Providdnce is perhaps a little misunderstood. Where do i mail my next check for her defense ??

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 4:49 PM

    Hogan apparently also declared personal bankruptcy.

    Better Business Bureau has no authority to refund anyone's money--it is simply a customer dispute organization that has no authority to force refunds or require a business owner to do anything.

    There is no defense--she pled guilty to a felony.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMay 10, 2013 9:24 AM

    http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/10/nyregion/former-pta-official-jailed-after-failure-to-repay-funds.html

    ReplyDelete