Attorney General Helping Customers Of Bankrupt Jeweler

 Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is advising consumers to immediately contact his office if Christian Bernard Jewelers — now closed due to bankruptcy — has possession of consumer property.

Christian Bernard Jewelers filed a voluntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition on December 26. While the company has not announced its plans, cases such as this frequently involve complete liquidation of assets.

The company closed both of its Connecticut stores, one in Westfarms Mall in Farmington and another in Stamford Town Center, immediately after Christmas.

Mr Blumenthal said consumers should immediately contact his office if the company is holding any of their property; call 860-808-5315 or 860-808-5318.

The attorney general’s office will monitor the bankruptcy proceeding and advocate on behalf of consumers, if necessary. According to the company’s bankruptcy court filings, the financial collapse was prompted by poor sales and an inability to obtain financing.

“I will fight for consumers who made payments for merchandise or have other valid claims to full value,” Mr Blumenthal said. “Christian Bernard is among the latest to claim bankruptcy due to plummeting sales and scare financing sources.

“At Christian Bernard’s two Connecticut stores, holiday shoppers hoping to exchange, refund or alter gifts quickly discovered ‘store closed’ signs after Christmas. Consumers should immediately contact my office if Christian Bernard has possession of their property — including jewelry that may have been turned over for repairs, adjustments or layaways,” the attorney general advised.