A high-end children's store that has been in business for more than a decade in Calgary has suddenly closed its doors.
Bo Bebe Lifestyle was in operation in the city for 14 years and had five retail locations at its peak.
A statement on the company's website blames financial problems between shareholders, unpaid accounts receivable and supplier cancellation issues for the company's demise.
Some customers of Bo Bebe say they paid for products they didn't receive so they called our Consumer Specialist Lea Williams-Doherty for help.
Lea says it is those customers who have put down deposits on expensive items like furniture and strollers that are the worst off.
Andrea MacInnis was still pregnant with baby Amelia when she paid Bo Bebe a $500 deposit for a $900 double stroller.
With a 2-year old and a newborn, she knew that was a necessity.
When the stroller didn't arrive on time, she started calling Bo Bebe and got only voicemail.
MacInnis’ mom drove to Market Mall and found the store had shut down for good taking MacInnis’ money with it.
She says that stroller was her big splurge for the new baby.
"Being on mat leave and my husband working we just cover the bills and that's it so a $900 stroller takes a lot of planning and saving and when that's no longer an option it's quite upsetting," said Mac Innis.
Lea contacted the founder of the store and she told Lea that she is still working hard to facilitate delivery of product to customers when possible.
In an email she added that…
"...This closure was extremely painful and not planned…my goal is to honour customer refunds or orders, even if it takes months..."
Those who paid with a credit card can get a refund through their credit card companies since they paid for product they didn't receive.
(With files from Lea Williams-Doherty)
