ATLANTA — Employees are waking up jobless in Georgia after a suit and tuxedo rental location with stores across 13 states seemed to abruptly close its doors this week.
Several Dapper & Dashing branded locations in metro Atlanta, have already posted generic notices reading, “Sorry, we are closed today. We apologize for any inconvenience,” telling customers if they have a suit to return - they can keep it. The company operates under two names in Georgia: Savvi Formalwear Store and Anya Bridal Store.
At other locations, employees left handwritten notes, sharing the shock of the seemingly overnight closure, with those waiting to pick up formalwear or dresses. A sign posted at a closed store off of Cobb Parkway in Georgia read:
"Dear Customers, our company has abruptly closed its doors. Not only on all its employees but, most importantly, our wonderful customers. I'm so sorry that this has happened during the most special time in your life. I didn't want you to be left in the dark, and I'm so sorry that this is the only help I can offer. I'm praying for you all, and please pray for us as we try to pick up the pieces."
11Alive obtained an email from the company's HR account to employees informing them they were being laid off.
"Unfortunately, the company is compelled to cease operations effective immediately," the email stated.
(A portion of the email relating to pay information has been removed in the image below.)
Hendon Properties confirmed that the store location at Greenbriar Mall was also closed Tuesday. A spokesperson on the Hendon Properties communications team said that there's a sign posted saying the store is "closed until further notice." The mall managers were also shocked by the news.
"Greenbriar Mall Management is just as surprised by today’s abrupt closure. We are reaching out to Savvi’s corporate real estate group to seek clarity and guidance on their intentions. Savvi Formalwear (fka Gingiss Formalwear) has been a retailer at Greenbriar Mall since 1996," a statement from Hendon Properties said.
Ashley Merchant was frustrated to learn her local store was impacted via a shared Facebook post from another customer. Merchant, set to get married October 14, tells 11Alive she is now scrambling to make other arrangements for a wedding party of eight.
She's also trying to figure out how to get her deposit back.
"That’s honestly why I was so mad," Merchant said of the company's reported lack of notice to customers. "You as a business knowing your clientele, how do you not care?”
Merchant and other couples also shared their concern for employees who suddenly lost jobs. Zoie Moore was one of the fortunate customers whose dress consultant was able to reach her with a late night call instructing her to pick up her wedding gown.
"I can't imagine waking up going to work and not having a job," Moore shared. "For the workers, the company itself, it just feels very shocking."
A Houston-based Dapper & Dashing store employee told an NBC affiliate, KPRC 2, that employees were told that all stores would be closed, effective immediately through a Microsoft Teams meeting. It's not clear how many affiliated-brands are impacted, though the Akron Beacon Journal is also reporting Ohio closures.
This closure comes months after another hit to the industry left local couples scrambling. In April, David’s Bridal filed for bankruptcy protection, the second time for the chain in the past five years.
David’s Bridal wants to sell the company, but its stores remain open and fulfill orders without delay. Its online platforms also remain available to help people with their wedding planning needs.
11Alive News has reached out Dapper & Dashing for a response; we are waiting hear back.
The Georgia Attorney General's Office is looking into the matter.
"Consumers who placed an order but never received their merchandise should try to contact the company and continue to check its website for any information regarding how to proceed in obtaining a refund," a statement from the AG's office said. "Georgia consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly as a result of the closure may file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division so we will have a record of the matter as the situation develops. We are monitoring this situation."
BBB guidance
In the meantime, the Better Business Bureau is also encouraging impacted customers to file a complaint with them so that they can keep a record. The BBB also has these tips:
- Collect receipts, proofs of purchase, and other documents such as warranties and manuals. These materials will help you prepare for your request for a resolution.
- Check with the bank or credit card you used to make the purchase(s) at the now-closed company. You may be able to dispute the transaction(s) due to failure to receive goods or services. Credit cards offer more consumer protections on purchases than debit cards, so it’s generally better to shop with a credit card, particularly for big-ticket items.
- Try to contact the company to complete the transaction or resolve the issue. Some closed companies will offer an email, website, or phone number to contact for more information. Check with BBB to see if they have information about the company, or search for the company on BBB.org. If the business has a physical address, check for a notice posted with information on where to turn for help. Also, look at the company's website and social media presence for information.
- If the company has not filed for bankruptcy, the business is still obligated to fulfill your order for goods, services, or a refund. Closing a business doesn't relieve the owner of that responsibility. While it can be time-consuming and expensive, a consumer may take the company to court.
- For returns: if you have a warranty for an item you bought at the store, look into whether the manufacturer or the store issued the warranty. If the manufacturer issues the warranty, it will most likely honor it. When a company goes out of business, its warranties and services often die unless other agreements have been made.
- If you have unused gift cards for a closed business, bankruptcy filings will likely determine if and how they can be used or claimed. Read more on gift cards and bankruptcy.