FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 17, 2002

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

NEWARK - New Jersey is suing a Monmouth County furniture store and its principal for allegedly accepting payments from consumers for furniture and failing to deliver the goods, as promised, Attorney General David Samson and New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos said.

The State's complaint alleges that furniture store Cabbage Rose Ltd., and its owner, William Neumann of Rumson, violated the State's Consumer Fraud Act and regulations governing furniture sales by repeatedly misrepresenting to consumers when their furniture would be delivered to them; selling merchandise to consumers in a different condition from what was represented to them; and selling new merchandise with substantial defects. Cabbage Rose Ltd. is currently located at 765 River Road, Fair Haven. The store was previously located at 51 Mt. Bethel Road, Warren. Neumann also operates an Internet company, Chelsea Manor Unlimited, which is also named as a defendant in the State's complaint. Chelsea Manor operates a Web site at www.chelseamanor.com which contains selected pieces of furniture as well as names of manufacturers that the company represents. Consumers place orders by calling or sending an e-mail to the company.

The three-count complaint, filed in Monmouth County Superior Court, also alleges the defendants:

• improperly denied refunds and failed to return deposits;
  
  
• improperly billed consumers by charging them for merchandise that was non-conforming;
  
  
• falsely represented that the company was an authorized representative for certain furniture manufacturing companies;
  
  
• failed to deliver the ordered merchandise by or on the promised delivery date;
  
  
• failed to notify consumers of delays in shipment and offer a prompt refund;
  
  
• failed to respond to consumers reports of defective and/or damaged merchandise in a timely and appropriate manner; and
  
  
• failed to respond to consumer complaints or inquiries.

"Our laws are very clear concerning the sales and delivery of furniture. Simply, furniture stores must meet promised delivery dates or offer consumers an opportunity to get a refund," Gov. James E. McGreevey said. "Failing to provide consumers the products they paid for and keeping their money, are the types of activities that expose merchants to prosecution, as this case clearly demonstrates."

"We expect more from companies that do business in the State of New Jersey," Attorney General Samson said. "These defendants allegedly defrauded their customers and caused them a great deal of frustration. It's our turn to frustrate their unlawful activities."

"When a company does business in the State and accepts payment for services it is promising, it better deliver on those promises or refund consumers their money. This company allegedly failed to conduct its activities in an honest fashion and now faces sanctions by the State," Director Erdos said. "Our suit seeks to stop this alleged behavior and put these companies and their owner out of the furniture business for good. The suit also seeks to have the defendants pay restitution to affected consumers, and pay penalties to the State."

Deputy Attorney General Ginger R. Provost of the Division of Law is handling this matter for the State.