Curvy Divas: A Clothing Brand's Downfall and the Customers Left in the Lurch

In a tale of broken promises and shattered trust, a local small business in West Fargo, North Dakota, has found itself at the center of a growing controversy. Curvy Divas, a plus-size clothing retailer once celebrated for empowering women, is now facing a barrage of complaints from customers who claim they have not received the products they paid for or received refunds in months.

Unfulfilled Orders and Unanswered Calls: Customers Seek Answers

Frustrated Customers Speak Out

Brandy Beaton, a customer from Park Rapids, Minnesota, recounts her experience with Curvy Divas. "I purchased $350 worth of bras on July 15th. I gave it some time, and on September 1, I started thinking, 'hmm, what's going on?' I tried calling her multiple times, no answer, and no way to leave a voicemail. That went on for a while, and that's when I started calling daily." Beaton's story is not an isolated incident, as she has found at least seven other women who are still waiting for their purchases with no communication from the business.

The Owner's Explanation: Supply Chain Woes and Cyber Attacks

According to the owner, Rhonda Goulet, the problems stem from the companies and suppliers she relies on for her products. In a Facebook post, Goulet explained the challenges her business has faced, including the impact of COVID-19, supply chain disruptions, and a recent cyber ransomware attack. She claimed that these issues have "greatly impacted" her business and "crushed" her, leading her to make the difficult decision to close the physical store and move operations entirely online.

Refunds and Inventory Challenges

Goulet acknowledged the frustration and anger of her customers, stating that she has had to sever ties with some suppliers who are now refusing to send her the products she had already paid for. This has resulted in her having to refund orders out of her own pocket, as the refunds from the suppliers do not match the prices her customers paid, including sales tax. Goulet assured her customers that she is working to rectify the situation and is being as transparent as possible, despite the challenges she is facing.

Closing the Physical Store and Going Online

In an effort to address the issues, Curvy Divas is closing its physical store and selling off all its inventory, with the exception of a few key items. Goulet stated that the store will be "torn apart" and everything will be available for sale on Friday and Saturday. She also mentioned that the business will be focusing on its online presence, though she is considering shutting down the online operations as well, given the "horrific experience" she has endured.

Lack of Communication and Transparency

Despite Goulet's attempts to explain the situation, her customers have expressed frustration with the lack of communication and transparency. When Valley News Live visited the Curvy Divas store on October 23, it was found to be closed, with a sign on the door directing customers to the business's Facebook page for updates. The news outlet's attempts to reach Goulet directly were met with an automated response, and she declined to appear on their program, stating that they "have no morals and are not journalists."

Regulatory Oversight and Customer Concerns

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has also been unable to reach Goulet, and the Curvy Divas business has an "F" rating, the lowest possible grade. Customers like Beaton are left feeling helpless, with their money seemingly "gone" and no clear path to resolution. The situation has prompted some customers to rally behind the business, while others have expressed their disappointment and concern on social media.

Crowdfunding Efforts and the Uncertain Future

In a last-ditch effort to save the business, a GoFundMe campaign was created in August, raising over $5,000. However, the long-term viability of Curvy Divas remains uncertain, as the owner grapples with the fallout from the supply chain issues, cyber attacks, and the erosion of trust with her customer base.