Mount Sinai's Merrily Couture is being protested by customers who claim that they did not receive their prom dresses at the expected time.
On Sunday, customers who were disappointed claimed that they paid for prom dresses at Mount Sinai's business, but did not receive them on time.
The group has been waiting for their dresses from Merrily Couture for several months; these dresses can cost thousands of dollars. Despite this, the store owner hasn't provided any assistance or delivered the dresses.
"It's unjust and horrendous," Courtney Brown expressed.
The citizen of Nesconset at the age of 18, bought a Jovani dress for $1,100 in January to flaunt on her senior prom night. The occasion is approaching in just four days, but Merrily Ottomanelli, the store owner, has yet to provide the dress to Courtney Brown.
"It's unjust to experience such disappointment with prom, considering how exhilarating it should be," commented Courtney Brown.
Fran Brown, Courtney's grandmother, revealed that she had been unsuccessful in her several attempts to contact Ottomanelli about the $1,100 and the lack of response from Merrily.
Fran Brown expressed that their happy moments were taken away due to the dress being stolen, which was meant to be a special time.
Kim Ledda from Miller Place had a similar experience where she had paid $600 for a prom dress at Merrily Couture but received only disappointment.
Ledda shared that her daughter was unable to obtain her dress and spent the entire night prior to the prom crying.
These grievances against Merrily Couture are not isolated incidents, as former clients have also reported comparable experiences of paying for dresses and having to hastily search for substitutes.
Andrea Lafata, a resident of Sayville, expressed frustration over having to work hard to afford her first dress and now being expected to pay for a second one.
News 12 Long Island attempted to reach Ottomanelli for their perspective, but an employee at Merrily Couture informed them that Ottomanelli was not able to give a comment.
While the protest was ongoing, the shop received a call from an individual who summoned the police regarding the demonstrators. However, the law enforcement officers verified that their behavior was non-violent.
According to the clientele, this protest marks the start of a series of actions, including various small claims court cases against Ottomanelli. Additionally, they have reported their grievances to the Better Business Bureau and the state attorney general's office.
Fran Brown insisted on ensuring that she doesn't repeat this behavior and mentioned that she needs to be shut down.
A statement was released by John Ray, the attorney of Ottomanelli, to News 12 Long Island.
"Merrily has been in business for many years and serviced many thousands of good customers. There appears to have been some difficulties with late deliveries. Merrily has assured me anyone who wants a refund will receive one. Anyone who wants a dress that had come in before the wear date of an event can have it. And if they wish, they can come and choose a different dress from the rack or have their refund. The protest is a means of pressure through the media as a way to target the business and get publicity for themselves."
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