The Indiana Attorney General’s Office is suing a a bridal store in Valparaiso after multiple customers reported paying up front for gowns and tuxes which they never received after the store was shuttered.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, the lawsuit names Terry Bernsten and Madeline Reynolds, individually and doing business as Sisters Bridal Inc., formerly at 902 Calumet Ave.

“Eight consumers filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Office after they paid $6,647 up front for wedding gowns and tuxedos but never received the promised merchandise or any refunds before learning the business had closed,” the statement said.

“Our office is committed to holding businesses accountable when contracts with customers are not honored, because it is typically the customers who lose out,” Attorney General Greg Zoeller said. “This lawsuit is an example of that commitment. While restitution will not likely make up for these wedding parties’ inconveniences of lost time and money, our office will work hard to make sure they receive some relief.”

The lawsuit specifically alleges that Bernsten “has used the defendant corporation for the purpose of misleading and deceiving Indiana consumers,” in violation of the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act. It further alleges that, between January and July 2012, Sisters Bridal Inc. “collected money from customers . . . and promised the wedding gowns or tuxedos would be finished in a reasonable period of time.” But the store “closed its doors in August.”

The lawsuit seeks an injunction, cancellation of contracts with consumers, consumer restitution, civil penalties, and attorney fees.

Posted 10/25/2012