Bee & Co. skincare store in California facing new allegations of coercive sales
Summary
A congressman in Southern California is investigating claims that Bee & Co., a skincare store, pressured customers with disabilities and older adults into spending large amounts of money. The store's parent company denies wrongdoing, and the mall where the store is located is reviewing possible legal responses.Key Facts
- Customers with disabilities and older adults say they were pressured to spend thousands at Bee & Co. stores in Southern California malls.
- Victor Chisholm, a man with an intellectual disability, reported spending over $50,000 and feeling pressured.
- Gabe Cota, who has a learning disability, said he was drawn in by free samples and compliments, then pushed to spend over $3,000.
- Both Chisholm and Cota said the same salesperson used flirting and sales tactics to pressure them.
- Bee & Co.’s parent company, Mazal Group, settled a class-action lawsuit over similar claims in Hawaii but denies wrongdoing in this case.
- The company offered to refund Chisholm’s money if he and his lawyer deleted negative comments and wrote a letter protecting the company’s reputation.
- The mall operator, Westfield, called the treatment of customers “deeply troubling” and is considering legal options.
- Congressman Brad Sherman warned the allegations could cause legal and reputation problems for the mall.
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