FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 3, 2002

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Genene Morris (973)504-6327

NEWARK - New Jersey has filed suit against a Westfield company that allegedly took consumers' money in furniture sales and failed to deliver the goods, as promised, Attorney General David Samson and New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos announced today.

The State's complaint alleges that Windsor Furniture Co., which engages in the retail sale of furniture to the public, repeatedly misrepresented to consumers when their furniture would be delivered to them, sold merchandise to consumers in a different condition from what was represented them and improperly billed consumers for merchandise on previously canceled orders. Windsor Furniture has a principal place of business at 576 North Ave., Westfield.

The complaint alleges that Windsor, a seller of furniture since 1953, failed to meet scheduled delivery dates and neglected to provide consumers with written notices informing them that it could not meet the promised delivery date and giving them the opportunity to either reschedule or get a refund. The alleged activities are in violation of the State's Consumer Fraud Act, furniture regulations and a prior Consent Order the company had with the State, in which it agreed to comply with these State laws. The Consent Order also imposed a $50,500 penalty which was suspended provided the defendant adhered to the provisions within the consent order.

"New Jersey has in place consumer protection laws that are meant to ensure that companies operate fairly and honestly," Governor James E. McGreevey said. "When companies fail to operate their businesses in a manner that complies with State laws, we will take action against them to put an end to their unlawful activities."

"Through this action we hope to send the message that New Jersey will not tolerate companies that make promises to consumers, take their money and then fail to deliver on those promises," Attorney General Samson said.

"Our action seeks to have Windsor Furniture pay restitution to all consumers affected by their unlawful activities," Director Erdos said. "We are also seeking to have it pay in full the previously suspended $50,500 penalty for violating its earlier consent order with the State."

The State's complaint also alleges that Windsor Furniture:

• improperly denied consumers refunds;
  
  
• failed to respond to consumers' reports of defective and/or damaged merchandise in a timely and appropriate manner; and
  
  
• failed to respond to consumers' complaints and inquiries.

Deputy Attorney General Beverly Lapsley of the Division of Law is handling this case for the State.