Madelynns customers line up to claim merchandise
By Russ Morgan (Contact)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Customers of Madelynns started arriving at the store at 7:30 this morning, and by 10 a.m. the line stretched almost to the end of the block as people waited to collect their merchandise.
Five agents from the Kansas Department of Revenue were in town today to meet with customers who had paid for their merchandise and had a receipt. The business was shut down Tuesday for failure to pay retailers’ sales and withholding taxes. Within two hours, more agents had been sent to help take care of the mass of concerned customers.
“We will be there as long as it takes,” said Freda Warfield of the revenue department. “We’re going to make certain people have their merchandise.” Warfield said the agents would try to take care of as many as possible today, and would return if necessary.
The process was slow as the agents worked to help the customers. Those who hadn’t paid in full were able to claim their purchases by paying the balance with cash or money orders, but the state would not accept personal checks.
“What we want is a money order, a cashier’s check or a teller’s check from the bank,” explained Jeff Scott of the revenue department. “Because it’s what we call ‘certified funds.’ Our policy is, with a personal check, we can’t relieve the situation until the check clears the bank.”
Those wanting refunds were told they would have to go through the business owner for that after the state has finished the process of reclaiming its taxes.
The majority of customers were there to collect items for upcoming weddings, but a few had merchandise in the store being sold on consignment. Those wanting to claim that merchandise would be able to do so by showing proof of ownership, such as a copy of a consignment agreement.
The agents were only able to help with merchandise that was on-site; Warfield said those who had paid for items that were ordered but had not arrived yet should work the issue out with their credit card companies.
The feeling among people in the crowd was a mix of frustration, bewilderment and anger.
“This is so crazy,” said Addeea Graf, who was there to pick up dresses for her upcoming wedding. “You’d never think this would happen.” Graf was one of the first in line, and after working through the process of finding the dress she was able to leave happy. The crowd waiting out front burst into applause as she stepped out the door, dress in hand.
Others had to wait for agents to find their merchandise or for family members or friends to come in with money orders. Amy Graves, who’s wedding will take place in a little over two weeks, was there to pick up a bridal gown and several bridesmaids dresses. She said she also had paid for a rental tuxedo, but didn’t expect to get the money back for that.
“As long as I get my dresses,” Graves said as she waited for agents to let her into the building. “That’s all I want.”
Merchandise not claimed by customers will be auctioned by the state at a later date. The auction may take place online or at the store itself; that decision hadn’t been made yet. Agent Charity King said the auction company, Total Auction Services, would take inventory of the remaining merchandise and would give 10 days’ notice before the auction is to take place.