Advice! wrote on Jan 3, 2007 4:03 PM:
" I have paid the full amount of money for my dress and refuse to be jerked around! Here is some good advice that most of you can follow... if you paid for your stuff on credit or debit cards you can go to your bank...they will give you your money back and then go after her. Said and done! Oh and hey...does anyone else think that "Chill Boy" is a moron?! Hey buddy...take a long walk off a short plank! It sounds like you wont ever have to worry about girls flocking your way...ha! Keep your heads up girls! There is a respectable way of closing a business and it was certainly an option that was not explored. I feel sorry for the other employees who probably weren't even paid for their final week of employment! "
Glad..... wrote on Dec 29, 2006 11:22 AM:
" I am really glad my bridesmaids didn't order the dresses yet. We were going to go there this week to order them too. I feel really bad for all those brides and bridesmaids that are wondering what will happen. "
Unite wrote on Dec 29, 2006 11:04 AM:
" We all need to unite in getting action. Im filing a complaint with the state and with the local police department in hopes to get at least my wedding dress which is paid for back. It looks like Mrs. Thomas has had problems with money in the past. She had a judgment against her and her husband re: foreclosure on a mortgage.....I think she is scamming us all and thinks she can get away with it. If her mother co-signed for the business then she should have to pay. She had to of known her daughter makes bad choices. "
Open the store wrote on Dec 29, 2006 10:35 AM:
" Sounds like these women knew exactly what they were doing and continued to take peoples money. I can't believe they are getting by with this! They need to open the store (with a police officer present) and let these brides pick up the merchandise they so rightfully own! "
This is unfortunate wrote on Dec 28, 2006 9:16 PM:
" When I first heard about this I was so mad. But, then I think of all the poor brides who ordered their dress there. I had only gotten one of my little girls in my wedding fitted for her dress there, and I'm just trying to get back the deposit for that dress. I can't imagine what the brides are going through. And to all of those saying that the brides should be mad are completely in the wrong. I think you'd be mad if this happened to you too. And to all the brides looking for help, I highly suggest checking out Bonnie's Wedding Center in Viroqua. That is where I have my wedding dress, and they are very, very helpful there. Good luck to all of these brides, things will get better! "
What's this all about wrote on Dec 28, 2006 8:57 PM:
" The whole issue here is these girls were not treated with RESPECT! "
To confussed wrote on Dec 28, 2006 8:41 PM:
" I to just found out about the store closing and have no idea of how I can contact anyone. I am so upset. I saved so long for this special day. I don't have as much money put down but every dollar I've saved counts. I hope someone calls me. "
D-I-V-O-R-C-E wrote on Dec 28, 2006 7:55 PM:
" Since over 50% of all "Legal" marriges end in divorce anyway, Maybe they save you some money in the long run. Just kiddin, But good luck getting your money back. "
To confussed wrote on Dec 28, 2006 7:48 PM:
" When you were in the store on the 16 of Dec. did anyone indicate to you they would be closing or did they just continue to accept peoples money. Someone had to know something was going on. "
unsure wrote on Dec 28, 2006 7:45 PM:
" How can Teri Thomas help any of her customers if she has already left her business and turned it over to her mother. If she says she no longer is involed in the store and she left others in charge to make phone calls or thought she left others in charge to do so why would she be involed now. If she is making promises now does she leagelly have the right to if the store is no longer hers like she states in the article? "
FYI wrote on Dec 28, 2006 7:27 PM:
" I really think all of the brides are going to have to find some help elsewhere. It dosen't sound like they will get any help. One of the articles says Teri Thomas has already turned over the business and the mother is saying she knows nothing of Teri's doing so. If they doen't even know whats going on how is the customer suppose to trust either of them. "
Confused wrote on Dec 28, 2006 7:20 PM:
" I just found out and am now wondering myself where to go next and what to do now. I just want my bridesmaids to get their money back. We were just in there on the 16 of Dec. to pay half. My dress was paid for and being stored at the shop and now what? I have nothing. As for those saying tough loss.....be ware it could happen to you some day and I hope it does. "
Resolve the issue wrote on Dec 28, 2006 7:03 PM:
" Teri Thomas just refund the money , return the paid in full merchandise to the customer and let these brides move on! "
One of the (somewhat) lucky ones.. wrote on Dec 28, 2006 6:59 PM:
" I too had ordered my dress through La Boutique but because I used a credit card, I have already gotten a credit back and now my credit card is dealing with the issue for me. I was also fortunate in that my dress is already made and is just being shipped to a different store in town now to buy it from. It does suck that they are charging me over $100 more to get it at their store though!!! I really just wish Teri had given us advance notice on this. I didn't find out until the 22nd from a co-worker. I did get a message from Teri today but there was no "I'm sorry" at all in it, which is what I really want since I have already had to take care of everything on my own. "
Another Concerned Bride, again! wrote on Dec 28, 2006 12:57 PM:
" Unfortunately, some of the viewers and readers of this newspaper don't understand that if they have not personally gone through something that they really don't have anywhere to stand when they give their opinion. The people who are being "ignorant" are the people who continue to argue that we brides are selfish and a bunch of whiners. I, myself, haven't heard a single person whine yet and I, myself, haven't sat around and waited for someone to take care of this. I have taken action and I have scrambled for two days to get this resolved. I have contacted an attorney, the store owner herself, other stores, the police, and the vendors. I am not whining, I am getting my dress back!! "
Sad wrote on Dec 28, 2006 12:56 PM:
" I work hard for my money and if I want to spend $1,000 on a dress thats my business! I don't need people like you call us dumb! "
just a listener wrote on Dec 28, 2006 12:07 PM:
" I don't believe any of these brides are asking for anyones pity. I belie3ve they just what what is rightfully theres. Anyone planning a wedding knows it is a costly affair. After purchasing a wedding dress bridesmaid dresses and tuxes it is not unusual for this to be an expense. They probably can't afford to lose any money. Again this is not about wanting anyones pity. It's about what rightfully belongs to these people. "
Now you're judging? wrote on Dec 28, 2006 11:51 AM:
" Now those of us who don't agree with the brides are ignorant? Boohoo. You're not making me feel sorry for you. I still hear you whining. Shut up and take action! Sue her already and be done with it. Believe it or not, this won't be the worst thing that happens to you. Oh, and I wouldn't be dumb enough to spend $1,000 on dresses or a big screen. Get a grip...Another IGNORANT reader. "
TO Respected business person wrote on Dec 28, 2006 10:58 AM:
" BRAVO! "
Bride to Be wrote on Dec 28, 2006 10:31 AM:
" I am a bride to be married this fall. I still have alittle time on my side, but my heart goes out to all of the wedding parties that have to deal with this mess with little time. "
To: who are you people? wrote on Dec 28, 2006 10:11 AM:
" Thank you for your comment, I couldn't have said it any better myself! I have been trying to defend myself and the other brides on this comment form, but to my dismay some ignorant people think that they know everything even though they have never been in this situation before. Don't judge me until you know me!!!! Thank you again for your support, I hope we get our stuff back soon!!!! "
Respected Business Person wrote on Dec 28, 2006 10:05 AM:
" This is not about how these women spent there money or how much they spent on a gown. This is all about how a business should be run. Anyone with morals and values no matter who is is charge should have contacted these customers to let them know the store would be closing so other arrangements could be made. It is just common business practice and good costomer service to treat your clients with respect, after all they did come to your business to shop. JUst plan common RESPECT! "
Who are you Peolpe? wrote on Dec 28, 2006 9:40 AM:
" I can't beleive some of the comments that are posted! How rude can some people be! These girls got ripped off! Im sure if you got ripped off on a $1,000 flat screen T.V or a
$1,000 worth of furniture you would be upset. Who are you to say what can and cannot be important in theses girls life. You have no idea who theses girls are and what there life is all about. Don't judge people you don't know! This is about a business who ripped off there customers and nothing more!
"
Awful wrote on Dec 28, 2006 5:32 AM:
" I feel for the Brides. This women should be held accountable. All the Brides should file a complaint, but salvage what you can in the mean time. Don't let her selfishness ruin your day. "
Re: To Chill wrote on Dec 28, 2006 3:12 AM:
" Yes leave the owner alone! I hope the owner sues these people for harrassment! Let it cost them some more money. If they've got it to blow on a dress, they can blow some more! Bunch of crybabies. If I were one of their Grooms I'd run as fast as I can away from these women. I'd probably turn gay before getting involved with one of these crybaby brides. "
To: Peace Lover wrote on Dec 27, 2006 10:21 PM:
" You are kidding, right? "
a customer wrote on Dec 27, 2006 10:19 PM:
" To all bad there is always good, and I cannot say thank you enough to the staff at The Wedding Tree, I went there hoping for a bit of information as to what step I could take next, and they took action for me right away. Thank God for businesses that still put the customer first. So anyone that feels sorry for her for what she did to us...I pitty you and whatever association you have with her to stick up for her. Maybe if you feel so bad for her, you could get the keys from her and give us our stuff back, but then again I feel you're too heartless to do that for us too! She is a coward and so deserves anything said about her! "
Another Concerned Bride, again! wrote on Dec 27, 2006 10:07 PM:
" Never once did I say that this is life-ending nor did I say that this will RUIN my wedding. I simply stated that since I have paid for my dress in full that I should be entitled to it. AND for the person who said I was crazy for paying over $1,000 dollars for my dress, they may want to go back and read the comment again. I said that I have over $1,000 in ALL of the dresses, mine and my bridesmaids. I find it funny that someone would make the comment "suck it up." Would you just "suck it up" if you bought a brand new screen TV and the company went out of business and left you hanging? "
Bonnie's Wedding Center wrote on Dec 27, 2006 9:59 PM:
" First of all, our sincerest apologies to all the brides that put their trust in LaBoutique. This is very unfortunate, but quick action is very important. Bonnie's Wedding Center has also received phone phone calls asking for assistance and will do what we can. Because this is a holiday weekend coming up, most bridal gown companies are closed until Tuesday -- we checked this out for other brides. If credit cards were used, contact your credit card companies. Please feel free to contact us. Again, we apologize for this disgraceful situation that creates mistrust for truly honest and caring small business, family owned bridal shops. Hange in there ladies, things will work out. Maridene, Bonnie's Wedding Center, Viroqua "
Wendi wrote on Dec 27, 2006 9:16 PM:
" All I can say is this...These girls are not being selfish. I'm sure their wedding day and the man they are going to marry is what is "MOST" important...but how would you like it if you went somewhere and paid a bunch of money and got nothing. Anyone with a clue, would feel for these girls and know that it is not right for any business to be able to do this. Teri Thomas may have things going on in her life - but so do these girls. I hope she gets taken to the cleaners. "
To Chill wrote on Dec 27, 2006 7:51 PM:
" Obviously you don't work for a living!! Leave the owner alone? Give me a break, she should be in jail for bilking these girls!! This is plain stealing and they should arrest and throw this woman in jail..........no excuses! You don't take money that doesn't belong to you! Bonnie "
To: Just another concerned Bride, again! wrote on Dec 27, 2006 7:45 PM:
" What venom! Did your wedding invite include the words "Shove it"? I didn't think anyone was telling you not to get married. But you have to admit, there are many people who put more emphasis on the DAY rather than the FUTURE with the person they love. If this is the worst that happens in your life, be thankful. There are children who die of cancer, people who are brutalized and others who starve. Is this the worst thing that can happen? No. Don't forget the big picture! "
Feel bad for the brides... wrote on Dec 27, 2006 7:35 PM:
" I feel horrible for the brides who were put through this mess. I would be in tears. What this woman did was wrong. I hope you all get your dresses or at least your money back. I am pulling for you. "
Perspective wrote on Dec 27, 2006 7:31 PM:
" Though this is a very unfortunate situation, I doubt that anyone's wedding will be "ruined" by this, as some of you have claimed. Get some perspective...is the wedding all about your dress , or is it about marrying the man you love? "
To: there's always another way... wrote on Dec 27, 2006 6:57 PM:
" But if we do these things we probably won't get out bought and paid for merchandise back. If we elope, we wont get to show everyone how beautiful we are. Everyone knows that on the big day we transform to a princess, not the everyday person we really are. "
Bride to Be... wrote on Dec 27, 2006 6:52 PM:
" I am also one of those customers that paid for my dress in full... and now I can't have my dress. My bridesmaids paid their down payments & we don't even know if the dresses were ordered. It would have just been nice for them to call the brides & let them know about the situation. I'm sure if they had given us a small time slot to pick up our dresses, we would have been there. "
These brides are smart wrote on Dec 27, 2006 6:52 PM:
" Anyone that is smart enough to pay over $1000.00 for a dress that will be worn one day should be able to figure out another plan for their 'big' day. Suck it up and get back to the drawing board. "
RE: Just another concerned bride...again! wrote on Dec 27, 2006 6:49 PM:
" Come on babe, suck it up. Get over it. If you can't handle something as simple and small as this, what are you going to do when real stress hits? I hope all the grooms are watching the "loves of their lives" and see how they are handling this situation. They will be dealing with these brides for a long time, unless they are smart enough to run away now. "
Just another concerned bride...again! wrote on Dec 27, 2006 5:02 PM:
" I am apalled at some of the comments made on this comment form. For whomever thinks they are "right or just" to make comments about not getting married should shove it!!! Just because you feel as though marriage is wrong does not make you anymore righteous to tell others to "suck it up" or "get over it and buy another dress." Some of us have PAID IN FULL for our dresses. We deserve answers from Teri and we deserve to have our paid merchandise returned to us! I can't stand reading these forums because it is the people that have no lives or the people that feel as though they are better that make comment upon comment upon comment...just to make themselves sound more idiotic and stupid! "
Peace Lover wrote on Dec 27, 2006 4:59 PM:
" With local police and authorities chasing down false leads and "homeland security" threats, it's no wonder that they can't focus on white collar crime like this. When Clinton was in office you didn't see things like this! What changed? nothing, except our president! "
Out of Town Bride wrote on Dec 27, 2006 4:56 PM:
" I just moved to Milwaukee 3 weeks ago, so when I checked the Tribune website for my sister's bball scores I was shocked to see this article. I would like to say a wonderful Thank You to the Wedding Tree for helping me out. I called my dressmaker and she directed me to the lady at The Wedding Tree she had been working with. Thank you so much for being so helpful in such a stressful time. "
Satisfied Past Customer of The Wedding Tree wrote on Dec 27, 2006 4:27 PM:
" Should have went to The Wedding Tree. Its the only place in town that has excellent choices and service. Deb Limberg and her staff would never let anyone down. I had 8 bridesmaids and ordered everything from tux to gowns and it went perfect!!! "
careful who you call... wrote on Dec 27, 2006 4:22 PM:
" FYI - If anyone looks in the phone book and tries to call her...the T. Thomas in the Century Tel phone book is NOT HER. Just thought I'd save poor T. Thomas some nasty calls! "
buyer beware 2 wrote on Dec 27, 2006 4:19 PM:
" Think of the stories these people will have to tell their children. Who has the number for Dr Phil? This would make a great show. "
buyer beware wrote on Dec 27, 2006 4:17 PM:
" I was always told that you get what you paid for, meaning if you think it is a deal it may not. But to pay for something and not get it is highway robbery, and the person behind this should get jail. It is sad to think that these poor women thought they had everything planned only to have their big day ruined. I know the dress is not the most important part, and the weddings will go on regardless,but it sure looks good in the pictures. "
Sorry but wrote on Dec 27, 2006 4:07 PM:
" What a bunch on entitled whiners, weddings should be a special moment between a couple, not an industry "
Another Concerned Bride!!!! wrote on Dec 27, 2006 3:49 PM:
" I am another bride that got hosed by Teri Thomas. I purchased my gown (which is paid in full) and all of my bridesmaids purchased their gowns (all paid in full) and everything, including my "extras" are sitting in La Boutique. I can't get any of it and it is all paid in full! I never received a phone call or any notices of this...I was taken advantage of and now I have to pay the price!!!!! I feel sorry for all of the other brides who are involved in this situation, I hope we will all get what we want back!! "
hi wrote on Dec 27, 2006 3:49 PM:
" if you think this is stessful...wait until you ARE married. Sorry:( "
to: chill wrote on Dec 27, 2006 3:45 PM:
" learn to spell! "
there's always another way... wrote on Dec 27, 2006 3:43 PM:
" The brides can always sue her in small claims. Just make sure she isn't filing bankrupcy and can walk away from the judgement. That said, elope. It's easy, cheap and the day is really about you and the one you love, not all the fanfare. You never hear us "elopers" say we wish we had a big church wedding. "
RE: Chill wrote on Dec 27, 2006 3:38 PM:
" Thieves don't deserve any slack. "
let it be a lesson... wrote on Dec 27, 2006 3:24 PM:
" for those shopping anytime soon, maybe make arrangements and only put down one hundred dollars, and pay difference upon final dress completion. i understand a lot is involved with dress making, altering, etc., but any bridal business that is not "secretly" going downhill, should be willing to accept a low monetary amount. "
Poor Customer Service wrote on Dec 27, 2006 3:22 PM:
" This does not surprise me about La Boutique and Teri Thomas. We did business with her last summer and could not believe how she treated us. We were so upset with her customer service and how she treated us. "
boo hooo wrote on Dec 27, 2006 2:54 PM:
" this lady did her best to be a shop owner and make a go of it ..get off her back and leave her alone. Just go to another shop for your dress and leave her alone.... "
To: Stressed out wrote on Dec 27, 2006 2:44 PM:
" Hey “Stressed out” how would you feel if this were your dream going out of business?
You selfish, selfish, person. Me, me, me, look what’s happening to me.
"
Happens every day. wrote on Dec 27, 2006 2:35 PM:
" Businesses go under every day. Why do you think this business should do anything different than any other business? Suck it up, count your losses, and learn a lesson! It's not the "big Day" that's important, but what comes after. This is why people should spend less time and money on their ceremony and maybe a little more time on the meaning of the marriage. There would be a lot less divorce in the country. If the poor brides are crying their eyes out over this, what will they do when real stress enters their life? How is the Groom doing? I bet he's not crying about this. "
I suggest contacting the BBB wrote on Dec 27, 2006 2:28 PM:
" Even if it doesn't help, getting numerous complaints about her on there will not help her in the future if she tries to open another shop! "
Why would the city want to run a bridal shop? wrote on Dec 27, 2006 2:27 PM:
" THey have many more important things to do. I feel so sad for all these people who were taken by this women. She should at least let them have pick of what she has in her store left if she cannot provide them their dresses. I don't know what her circumstances were for her to suddenly close, but it seems as she only thought about one person--herself by not giving notice for people to come and pick up their dresses, and for not being there on Friday herself to answer questions. "
To "What" wrote on Dec 27, 2006 2:08 PM:
" I pity the consumers you come in contact with- obviously you have no compassion, or loyalty to anyone but yourself. I applaud the employee for trying to do what she could for these distraut brides to be. "
Please wrote on Dec 27, 2006 2:07 PM:
" I am not asking for a lot just a answer if the dresses were ordered or not. If they were not ordered then what or where is the money. This is suppose to be our big day and for her to take it away from us is unfair. How would she feel if her wedding was ruined and didn't get any answers? I think we all are giving her slack we are all giving her a chance to explain. And it is hard to give her slack when she closes like she did. And it is hard not to assume what she has done with the money. "
I am glad... wrote on Dec 27, 2006 1:27 PM:
" I am glad I did not order my bridal gown through them. I would be in the same shoes as all of the other brides and bridesmaids. "
stressed out wrote on Dec 27, 2006 1:06 PM:
" I am a mother of the bride who had to listen to her daughter cry over the phone because of this mess. How would Teri Thomas feel if this was her daughter? I'm sure she would view her actions in a whole new light. Sleep well Teri... "
What wrote on Dec 27, 2006 1:00 PM:
" Why didn't the employee close up and leave? Like she is going to get a pay check for that day or the rest of the hours she worked? Thomas should be ashamed and not be a coward. "
Carly wrote on Dec 27, 2006 12:20 PM:
" I really dont know where to start on this whole thing. For one My wedding dress is sitting at that place all paid for in FULL and I have no way of getting my dress. I was never called and told that they were taking off or anything. Everything is order for my bridesmaids dresses and tuxes. So Im sure I wont get my money back. All I want is to get my wedding dress. I wish they would have left us a number to call so people like me could atleast meet them there and get my dress. I went down there today along with alot of other poor brides and sat and hoped that someone would let us in. But nothing happened not even a note on the door. All I want is my wedding dress PLEASE!!! "
Make lemonade wrote on Dec 27, 2006 12:09 PM:
" If the bridal parties do end up without their dresses or deposits, I hope they will make a their own happy outcome. Such as a theme, one that costs less and let the whole day be in theme for all that attend. Such as: Hawaiian Theme, 60's Theme, etc.
Make the most of this unforunate issue. But don't let it ruin your big day! It's too much cost in the first place. Good luck to all. "
Be Careful? wrote on Dec 27, 2006 12:09 PM:
" You go into a store, you make a deposit on a big purchase. One shouldn't have to do a background check on the people who own the business. "
employee wrote on Dec 27, 2006 12:01 PM:
" I am one of those employees who is now scared they lost their money. I put down a deposit for a bridesmaid dress half cash and half check, they happened to cash the check already. What a way to ruin what is suppose to be someones best day of their life. Hopefully we will be refunded!! "
What La Crosse needs is... wrote on Dec 27, 2006 11:55 AM:
" It's a travesty that this happened. If only the City of La Crosse was in charge of and ran a bridal shop then things like this wouldn't happen. Mayor Johnsrud should propose that the city takeover and run a bridal shop; anyone going to the city's shop would be protected from atrocities like this. "
Chill wrote on Dec 27, 2006 11:38 AM:
" Cute the lady some slack!! Let's see you run a business and not let it close due to problems. You dont know what kind of situations are going on in her life. Chill Out and give her some slack!!! Geez!! "
Glad I sewed my own dress wrote on Dec 27, 2006 11:29 AM:
" How can anybody go out of business in the bridal industry? Good grief, the markup on cheap acetates sewed for next to nothing in China has to be incredible. I think it's ridiculous that anyone expects their friends and family to plunk down that kind of bling for one day. Not to blame the victims or anything. But why does the occassion of two people promising their lives to each other have to turn in a Coronation? Save the money for something useful, like a down payment on a house. "
Been to the cleaners myself wrote on Dec 27, 2006 10:25 AM:
" Maybe they should take this as a sign from on high...marriage is just not the most intellegent thing humans can do. "
poor employee wrote on Dec 27, 2006 9:46 AM:
" How nice of the business owner to leave an employee to "clean up her mess". If she had any decency, she would have been there herself to explain the situation to the brides and to issue a full refund. They shouldn't be hearing about this by word of mouth or in the newspaper. Teri Thomas should have already called these girls - not wait until AFTER she has been exposed in the newspaper. "
I can't believe it wrote on Dec 27, 2006 9:44 AM:
" I sincerely hope that all customers of this shop receive what they are due. Marriage planning is stressful enough, without a complication such as this. Shame on you Teri! "
give the money back wrote on Dec 27, 2006 9:43 AM:
" La Boutique owes their customers a full refund and and explaination. It is the right thing to do - period. "
Nice wrote on Dec 27, 2006 8:35 AM:
" that is awful to not even let the customers know that the store is closing and then to leave a clerk to tell them. "
Former customer wrote on Dec 27, 2006 5:45 AM:
" Looks like they are out of luck, be careful who you give your money to. Sounds like they took their money and ran. Doesn't sound like there will be much they can do about it either. "
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