VALPARAISO, Ind. – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller’s Office recently filed a lawsuit against Sisters Bridal, Inc. for closing its doors after collecting customers’ upfront payments.

Zoeller said the lawsuit was filed against Terry Berntsen and Madeline Reynolds, individually and doing business as Sisters Bridal, Inc. Eight consumers filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Office after they paid $6,647 upfront for wedding gowns and tuxedos, but never received the promised merchandise or any refunds before learning the business had closed.

“Our office is committed to holding businesses accountable when contacts with customers are not honored, because it is typically the consumers who lose out,” Zoeller said. “This lawsuit is an example of that commitment. While restitution will not likely make up for these wedding parties’ inconveniences of lost time and money, our office will work hard to make sure they receive some relief.”

According to the lawsuit, Berntsen “has used the defendant corporation for the purpose of misleading and deceiving Indiana consumers” and is in violation of the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act. The store, formerly located at 902 Calumet Avenue, collected money from customers from January to July of this year and promised the wedding gowns or tuxedos would be finished in a reasonable period of time. Sisters Bridal closed its doors in August.

The lawsuit seeks an injunction, cancellation of contracts with consumers, consumer restitution, civil penalties and attorney fees.

Zoeller thanked Deputy Attorney General Mark Snodgrass for this work on the case and his dedication to the Consumer Protection Division.

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