In the dark, it’s not just how the inside of Salon Luce looks right now; it’s how customers are feeling as well.

The business said it closed for good Saturday, June 16.

Some customers said they didn’t learn about it until they tried calling and got the voicemail machine with a recording telling them the salon is no more.

Local 4 and Fox 18 News has placed several calls into the salon and the owners, leaving messages and sending emails but have not heard back.

It’s leaving some with appointments books, deposits for weddings paid and gift cards purchased with few answers on how to move forward. 

Carmen Sedlock said she first tried calling Salon Luce earlier this week to move up her daughters’ appointments that were a birthday gift because the family has a wedding coming up. 

After no response, she called the next day and that when she heard the voicemail message that said the salon was permanently closed and is now waiting for an answer to her voicemails.

Carmen Sedlock said, “I just figured, here’s something nice that they don’t have the extra money to splurge on normally.”

Carmen Sedlock said at her last appointment in May, she got her two daughters a $150 gift card each so they could enjoy some pampering for their birthdays next month. 
Now, that $300 birthday gift is just pieces of plastic on her counter.

Sedlock said, “Even a fair warning like we’ve got some things going on right now, so we’re not giving gift cards, or we’re not taking future appointments.”

Sedlock said that wasn’t a courtesy provided and after leaving messages with the salon this week, the best she can hope for is they’ll get back.
But she said the shock of the closure is also impacting her husband’s cousin whose is getting married in just a few months.

Sedlock said, “She didn’t find out until she’s seen my post on Facebook.”

Sedlock said that cousin booked a wedding appointment for August and placed a $750 deposit for hair and makeup services. 

Sedlock said, “You put deposits down at places expecting that you’re going to get these services and I mean, what worse time than right before your wedding.”

She is now working with her credit card company to try and dispute the charge.

But Sedlock said she’s not fretting receiving back the $300 she spent because there are brides and others facing worse situations.

“Whatever troubles you have or if you’re a small company that doesn’t make it, I mean you still have a personal responsibility and there is a way that you can treat your customers a little bit better, even if it’s I apologize, we’re trying to resolve this the best we can,” said Sedlock. 

As someone who helps manage a small business, what she would like to see is a bit more transparency.

Sedlock said, “There’s no excuse to just take down your stuff and then not respond to the public, especially when you know you’ve taken people’s money.”

A local bride also told Local 4 and Fox 18 that she placed a $650 deposit and scheduled a September appointment with Salon Luce for her wedding.

She said that was made in February and is now trying to get in contact with the salon. 

The Better Business Bureau does have some tips for customers facing these situations:

  • Collect receipts, proofs of purchase and any 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 do, so it’s generally better to do your shopping, particularly for big ticket items,with a credit card.
     
  • 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 your BBB to see if they have information about the company. If the business has a physical address, check to see if there is a notice posted with information on where to turn for help. Also look on 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 a time-consuming and expensive option, a consumer may choose to take the company to court. 
     
  • If you have a warranty for an item you bought at the store, look into whether the warranty was issued by the manufacturer or by the store. If the manufacturer issued the warranty, it will most likely honor it. When a company goes out of business, its warranties and services often die with it, 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. 

When Companies Go Out of Business

Under normal circumstances, gift cards are valid for years – or indefinitely. Federal Trade Commission regulations from 2010 declared that money on a gift card can’t expire for at least five years. In Canada, regulations differ by province, but many banned expiration dates on cash gift cards. However, the situation changes when a business declares bankruptcy.

When you buy a gift card, you are essentially giving the company a loan until you redeem the value. When a store files for bankruptcy, payments are frozen and creditors must file claims in order to get paid. Gift card holders will unfortunately find themselves out of luck or with limited options. This isn’t even up to the business. The court decides whether – and for how long – to accept gift cards.

If you miss the deadline to redeem a gift card, you are able to file a claim for the value of the card. However, these claims are processed behind the company’s major creditors. So if you see news about a company preparing to file for bankruptcy, use your gift cards immediately.

BBB Tips: Gift Cards and Bankruptcy

Avoid issues with your gift cards by following these tips:

  • Before buying a gift card, look into the retailer’s financial condition: If news articles report that a company is on shaky ground, it might be best to purchase a gift card from another retailer.
  • Check the terms and conditions. A gift card’s terms may allow the card to be used at another business location.
  • Purchase gift cards with a credit card, if possible: Your credit card company may be able to help recover money lost if a business goes under. Some retailers, however, require gift cards to be purchased with cash.
  • Use gift cards as quickly as possible: While you may have years – or forever – to use the gift card, that doesn’t mean you should wait that long to spend it.