Back in April, the owner of high-end consignment store Ritzy Rack disputed reports the shop had closed abruptly.
However, a recent check determined the phone, while once only temporarily disconnected, is now no longer in service and the website no longer exists. A trip to the store showed no sign of the construction work owner Ryan Wrobel said was going to take place. Random items of clothing were visible inside the building.
Since the store’s closing in April, large numbers of customers have sought out the Naperville Police Department to file reports, but police are treating complaints as a civil matter.
However, consumers can pursue another outlet by filing complaints through the Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Office.
In early April, a customer of the Ritzy Rack contacted Naperville Patch because upon numerous visits to the store, she found it was never open and she wanted items returned that she had taken to the store. Some of the items were expensive purses she was hoping to sell on consignment.
In an e-mail to Patch, Wrobel had said the business was closed so he could do renovations over Easter weekend. He also claimed he was having trouble with electrical wiring and service from AT&T at the location. The leasing company said there were no problems with the wiring or utility service.
At that time, the store’s Facebook page was also deleted, which left consumers wondering what was happening with the business.
The store was never re-opened and in April, the leasing company said it was considering legal action against Wrobel.
After stories appeared on Naperville Patch about the store’s closing, Wrobel used the shop’s website to publish a letter stating that information posted was not accurate. The website now no longer exists and appears to have been suspended.
Consumers or consigners wishing to file complaints can contact the Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Office through its consumer fraud line 1-800-386-5438, said Deputy Press Secretary Maura Possley. Consumers can also submit complaints to Madigan’s Office. Information on filing a complaint is available online.
Because consumers signed a contract with the business, the Naperville Police Department views the matter as a civil matter and not a criminal action, said Naperville Police Sgt. Gregg Bell. However, during one telephone conversation, Bell did say that police were having trouble locating the business’ owner.
Consumers who have items at the store and want proof may file a civil matter of record through the Police Department's online reporting system, which allows people to do so from home. To file a report, click here.
The department was referring consumers to Will County to file their reports. Anyone planning to file a complaint with Will County must first file a police report with the Naperville Police Department, and then provide that to the Will County State's Attorney's Office, said State's Attorney spokesman Charles Pelkie.