The County Armagh owner of an online boutique has issued an apology to customers who have claimed to have been left out of pocket after allegedly not receiving the items they had purchased.
A group of dissatisfied customers of Shannon Bennett The Label – an online boutique based out of Lissummon – set up an online group claiming to be in the same boat – allegedly having paid for items and yet to receive them – weeks after purchase.
However, in response, the owner issued a statement via social media on Sunday morning, apologising to customers who have not received their orders.
She also said she had received death deaths as a result.
“Shannon would like to start off with a massive apology to those who have placed orders and not received items,” the statement read.
“As a business owner I accept full responsibility for customers not receiving their parcels in time, however, this isn’t the only business I run and this company (Shannon Bennett The Label) was left in the hands of a staff member to run appropriately while I run my other business.
“I do not blame or pass the blame on to anyone at this time as I myself should have been keeping a better eye on the business. As to being so caught up in other work commitments customers haven’t received orders and messages were not replied to.
I can not apologise enough for the frustration this has caused to customers in hard times.”
The statement said all customer refunds will begin today (Monday) from 9am and a replacement parcel sent out as “an apology on my behalf”.
It also addressed concerns around death threats received and malicious group chats, as well as threatening her home over orders not received.
“I accept all fault that the business wasn’t kept an eye on and should have been ran to a better standard,” she said.
“However, in regards to anyone who will be receiving their refunds from tomorrow and those who sent death threats, shared pictures of my children etc. on social media platforms, will 100% be held accountable, as I am for my mistakes.
“If anyone knows me personally knows I am constantly working and going out of my way for others but I since haven’t been paying full attention to this business; I don’t ever stop and sometimes it’s hard to watch everything at every angle, which is why I can’t apologise enough – this is not in my nature to do what has happened.
“All customers will be notified over the next few days of refunds and sent parcels.
“Given the circumstances, this page will be handed over to two members who will take over from here, while Shannon is in recovery.
“Everyone makes mistakes in life; businesses don’t always go to plan and nobody is perfect.
“We want to take this time to say sorry for what has happened and we want to have everyone’s case resolved by the end of the week.
“We would also like to wish Shannon a recovery in hospital and remember online bullying and trolling awareness.”
