Local Spa Owners To Honor Worthless Utopia Gift Certificates 

 There’s been an outpouring of support from our local salon community, after Utopia Day Spa shut down suddenly, leaving hundreds of customers with worthless gift certificates.

We brought you the story on Tuesday, and by Friday, four local spas have come forward, offering to honor the gift certificates.

The owner of Utopia sold $67,000 worth of gift certificates to local people, only to close up shop without warning. Now, thanks to the help of some very kind local business owners, they can finally get that pampering they paid for.

Local school teacher Loni Axley received a $100.00 Utopia certificate for Christmas from her husband. The card promised to “relax and rejuvinate,” but when she learned Utopia had closed, she only faced disappointment.

“With two kids, we could have used that money for something else. It was supposed to be a time for mom to go and relax and have an hour to herself, and that’s not the way it turned out,” said Axley.

Sea Scapes Day Spa owner, Debbie Plummer, says when she heard about the unsavory business practices, she decided to take the certificates anyway. She says to help her absorb the costs, she’ll honor half on one appointment, and half on another.

“Salons aren’t like that. She is only one person, one salon. The rest of us are here to do business and we’re here to make your time at our salon enjoyable,” said Plummer.

So Loni Axley finally got the massage she’s been waiting for. She says she’s still a bit angry, and wishes the Utopia owner had done things differently, but the massage did help remove some tension.

“I’m very pleasantly surprised that our community is pulling together in this way. I am really happy to live in this type of a community,” said Axley.

Plummer says her small gesture doesn’t make things right, and that the Utopia owner may have scarred the relationship between local consumers and gift certificates forever. But she hopes to introduce her newest clients to a salon that’s here for the long haul.

“When they leave here they’re smiling and they’ve forgotten a little about the everyday grind. And hopefully they have a little off their shoulders,” said Plummer.

Three other salons are also honoring the certificates:

Sea Scapes, A Salon & Day Spa
They offer: Massage, Skin Care, Hair, Makeup and Nails
You may use 50% of certificate on one appointment, and 50% on another.

Sphaera Massage Group

Spa at Siena
Reno, NV
They will honor the gift certificates at 50 cents to the dollar.

Metamorphosis Salon & Day Spa
They will honor the gift certificates at 20% of face value.

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Spavelous Note:  A Spa Gift Certificate is a wonderful gift.  Last Year Spavelous put out a Spa Gift Car and Spa Gift Certificate Warning:  You should only purchase spa gift cards from a Visa backed Spa gift Card – like Spavelous Spa Gift Card.  These cards may be used at any Spa or Salon Worldwide that accepts VISA.  As we have seen this past year, many spas and business have closed.  We reccommend that you redeem any gift certificates as soon as possible to avoid any problems.

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I-Team: Spa Certificates Stressing Customers

Now to our I-Team report. A business that specialized in relaxation is causing nothing but stress. It’s a story that could be repeated over and over again as retailers struggle to survive. Consumer and I-Team reporter Jeff Chirico is live in the control center with the story.

The I-team was contacted by several women who hold in total over 800 dollars in gift certificates for a salon that abruptly shut down last year. One woman asked for a refund but was told no way. He told me he did not owe me a dime. But Jennifer Altemos is demanding her money back for a gift certificate to Atmosphere Salon and Day Spa in Plains Township. The business closed suddenly last year.

It’s $55 down the drain. Ann Marie Hufford also wants a refund. These are just two of 7 women the I-Team knows of who hold more than 800 dollars in gift certificates. A plea from Jennifer was ignored. “He said he didn’t care, don’t threaten him, he was not paying.

“Atmosphere is a full service salon and day spa” This is video of company president Helen Kimble when she appeared on WBRE in unrelated stories last spring. Attorney Dan Munley says companies are responsible to pay, but filing a lawsuit may not be worth it. If you have a fifty dollar gift certificate and you pay 100 dollars for the suit, that would be the question to me.”

We called Kimble who says she’s working with her attorney to resolve all legal issues.

After hearing about the angry customers, the first owner of atmosphere, Erica Michaliga, who sold it to Kimble in 2007 has agreed to honor the certificates for the next 60 days in her new Zen Day Spa. “I appreciate your help and tell Jeff that we appreciate it” We’re told the corporation that operated Atmosphere under Kimble is filing bankruptcy but as of this Wednesday afternoon it hadn’t.

The state Attorney General is also working on this case. You can file a complaint at www.attorneygeneral.gov .

And here’s a tip –if you have a gift certificate use it soon. In this economy, you don’t know when a company may lock it’s doors.

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Spavelous Alerted Spa Goers and Gift certifcate buyers last year that they should not purchase gift certificates or gift cards from single spa or small spa chains.  Spa treatments make a wonderful gift, but you should always give a spa gift card that is backed by VISA like the Spavelous spa gift card.  It can be used at any spa or salon that accepts VISA.

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Out of Buisness

This article is broght to you by Spavelous http://www.spavelous.com

KEIZER, Ore. – The sudden closure of a salon in Keizer left customers with useless gift cards and workers without their final paychecks Saturday, employees said.

Radiance Salon and Spa closed unexpectedly last week. Customer Sandy Ellis said she was shocked when she found the sign on the front door.

She had received a gift certificate to the salon as a Christmas present and had recently purchased another gift card for a friend. With the doors closed Saturday and the salon half-empty, she said she’s out $95.

“You don’t treat customers like that. I know times are tough or whatever, times are tough with me too,” Ellis said. “Like I said, this was a splurge and you need to do the right thing and pay everybody back.”

Employees were equally upset Saturday. They said they still haven’t received their paychecks that they were scheduled to receive Friday and many were left jobless.

“We’ve called several times and we’ve been told we were harassing her and that she was going to sell her client information and we’re not getting paid,” said Sarah Hiebert.

According to state business documents, salon shop owner Cathryn Thiessen has shut down businesses before. She failed to renew her licenses at West Salem Florist and Divine Floral Design. Document also showed she’s associated with Great Start Food Stores, which FOX 12 found to be empty and closed.

Thiessen’s house was also empty Saturday. Employees said it had fallen into foreclosure.

“I’m sorry with whatever is going on in her life, but it’s not OK to treat over 10 people this way,” said Alia Martin, a former employee. “No matter what the situation is, that’s not OK.”

As for customers, Ellis said Thiessen should have never sold the gift cards knowing that she would be closing up shop in just a few days.

“If she’s some type of human, she would have some type of remorse and to make it better with the people, she will pay people back,” Ellis said.

Thiessen couldn’t be reached for comment Saturday night, but she posted a message to customers and employees Sunday on the Radiance Salon and Spa Web site:

I understand that my staff and some of my former guests are extremely unhappy about the closure, but I truly gave it everything I had to keep it open, offering it to a couple of my employees at a very inexpensive and extremely reasonable price, but they did not want to “risk” it. But that is what a business owner does, they generally risk everything, including their homes, their employees do not. I invested everything I had into keeping Radiance open throughout this economic downturn, and lost everything, I will truly miss my salon.

 

To read the full message, visit www.radiancesalonspa.com.

 

Sudden Salon Closure Renders Gift Cards Useless

In today’s economy, Spavelous would like to remind everyone of the warnings we put out prior to the holiday season.  DO NOT PURCHASE A SPA GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR AN INDIVIDUAL SPA!  ONLY PURCHASE SPA GIFT CARDS THAT ARE BACKED BY VISA!  This way if a spa closes, you may use your gift card at any spa location that accepts VISA. This spa was open for 5 years, so the lenght of time in business does not indicate the future of the spa.  As we come up to Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day, please know that a spa gift card is a wonderful gift, but we recommend only VISA backed spas gift cards like The Spavelous Gift Card.  Read more about Why you should only purchase a Spavelous Gift Card.   

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Do you have a gift certificate to Hoboken’s Mesh Spa? We’re not sure if Mesh is now closed permanently or closed temporarily for renovations but, if you don’t mind making the trek to Jersey City, The Spa at Port Liberte has stepped forward and will partially redeem the gift certificates, up to 75% of their original value.

Here’s how it works:

The Spa at Port Liberte takes 25% off on first visit, 25% off on second visit, and a free upgrade worth up to 25% on the third visit.

So say you have a $100 gift card at Mesh — go to Port Liberte and take $25 off the first visit, another $25 off the second, and for the third visit you can get an upgrade worth $25.

“Say you come for a facial, we’ll put in a free eye treatment or free hand treatment,” said Port Liberte spa owner Kathleen Ho.

Ho said she was prompted to come up with the offer when customers from Mesh started calling her last week, telling her the spa in Hoboken was closed.

“I thought since their customers are left stranded with no solution I would step in and offer 75% of the gift card,” said Ho.

The offer will be good for the next six months or longer at The Spa at Port Liberte, or until Mesh re-opens. You could also combine the offer in one day, for several different treatments, such as a facial, haircut, massage, etc. Bring the Mesh gift cards with you when you go.

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UPDATE MESH SPA WEBSITE NOTE:

 Spas in NJ

New Jersey Day Spas

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What better way to send the message that you care about the recipients of your holiday gifts this year — give them a gift of health! No matter what their age, there are many gift ideas that will help your friends and family live healthier, high quality lives.

Eating well and taking care of our bodies has increasingly become the subject of public health and media messages. Fortunately, there are numerous products on the market that can help us to do so.

When it comes to eating well, gifts might include books or a magazine subscription related to healthy cooking, a basket of novel healthy foods, kitchen gadgets or machines that can make healthy foods (such as a blender for smoothies, an air popper for popcorn, a grill basket, etc.). Why not gather copies of your favorite healthy recipes or find some online and create a personalized recipe file or notebook?

Consider theme gifts with several related items included. This might be a set of pottery bowls and a healthy soup cookbook. It could be a bread machine with a whole grain bread cookbook. How about a wok with healthy stir-fry sauces, special whole grain rice, and healthy recipes?

A welcome gift might be healthy cooking classes or a healthy food-of-the-month club. A personalized gift might be a certificate that promises that you will make a healthy meal for them sometime in the future. For a larger gift, find a personal chef in the area or a caterer who can prepare one or more day’s worth of food. This is a special gift for new parents, someone who does not enjoy cooking, older adults who find cooking for themselves difficult, or a family with both parents working. You could also give a gift certificate for a meal at a healthy restaurant or health food store.

We all know how important it is to be physically active. Consider giving books, videos/DVDs, or magazines on topics related to being active. This could include topics such as dancing, kayaking, hiking or cross country ski trails, bike repair, running or strength training. Music-based audio tapes are a great accompaniment to physical activity. Many people enjoy walking tapes or books on tape. For some activities there are special boots, shoes, clothing, gloves or protective gear that make a welcome gift.

Then of course, there are all the gadgets related to sports or working out — bats, balls, rackets, nets, hoops, weights, yoga mats, exercise balls or bands, pedometers, jump ropes, bike and biking gear, hiking gear, and others. For enjoying outdoor winter activities, try snowshoes, cross country or downhill ski equipment, sleds or skates.

For parents of small children, it is often difficult for the parents to get out and exercise because of child-care issues. A solution might be finding ways to take the children along. Related gifts might be backpack child carriers for hiking, attachments for bikes that can allow you to bring children along, or jogger strollers. Mom or dad can then multitask and get in their cardio and strength training all at once.

Several interactive computer games are available that make physical activity especially fun. They are a creative way to get children more active. How about the gift of classes related to physical activity (aerobics, yoga, tai chi, dancing, swimming, kickboxing, spinning, Pilates, etc.) or membership to a gym. Consider giving a gift certificate for them to spend time with a personal trainer or dietitian can help to personalize goals for improved eating habits and physical activity.

A larger gift for the whole family might be a treadmill, elliptical machine, rowing machine, stair machine, stationary bike (or a stand to convert your road bike to a stationary one for the winter).

Another great family gift — to plan a family vacation that involves being active — biking, hiking, rafting, snorkeling, kayaking, etc. How about the gift of membership in a club related to outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, etc.) or a season pass.

Since stress counters our health goals, think of ideas that encourage friends and family to relax. This might be a spa gift certificate for a massage or a meditation class. It could be a promise to watch someone’s children while they take a break to do something relaxing (like time to read or take a bubble bath) or for time to exercise.

Recordings of relaxing music are a great gift idea. How about tickets to a concert of relaxing music? There are many books on the subject of relaxation as well. A much-appreciated gift might be a certificate for time at a local day spa.

So put on your thinking cap. Pretend it is you that is the recipient and ponder what you would like as a gift that would help you to reach your health goals. In fact, this might just be the list you give to people who ask you what you want for a gift at the holidays!

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New Life Hiking Spa offers “Give the Gift of Health” Certificates
One of the world’s top weight loss spas, New Life Hiking Spa, offers “Give the Gift of Health” certificates during the 2008 holiday season.

New Life Hiking Spa is offering a special discount to those seeking to give their loved ones a healthy alternative to gift giving. Gift certificates purchased prior to December 25, 2008 for the eleven day weight loss retreat will receive a discounted all inclusive rate of $2,499.00. The discounted rate includes service and tax.

New Life Hiking Spa at the Inn of the Six Mountains in Killington, Vermont
Give the Gift of Health
one of the top 10 destinations in the world to get in shape
one of 8 places to take a vacation and lose weight
one of the eight best weight loss spas
one of four great weight loss spas

New Life has been open each spring through fall in Vermont for over thirty years. The 2009 dates are May 14 through September 27. New Life Hiking Spa was chosen by MSNBC.com as “one of the top 10 destinations in the world to get in shape”, “one of 8 places to take a vacation and lose weight” by MSN Travel, “one of the eight best weight loss spas” by Shape Magazine and “one of four great weight loss spas” by Health Magazine. For three years in a row, New Life has won Best for Weight Loss, Best for Hiking and Best for Affordability by SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards.

The rate is for single occupancy and will include all services and amenities offered during the 11 day weight loss retreat. The retreat includes deluxe room with a private bath for 11 nights, three meals day, healthy snacks, all hiking and fitness classes, cooking demos, lectures and three massages.

About New Life Hiking Spa:
New Life Hiking Spa is an internationally-recognized, affordable destination spa located in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. Known for its exhilarating hiking program, delicious healthy meals and a comfortable atmosphere, New Life Hiking Spa offers the chance to experience the peace of the outdoors in a down-to-earth, country inn environment and is ideally suited for small groups, couples or individuals trying to improve their fitness level and eating habits. New Life offers a variety of vacation options including a 2-4 day mini-getaway, a 5-10 day Jump Start Program and the 11-day or longer Weight Loss Retreat.

Spavelous recommends that you purchase a The Spavelous National Spa Gift Card supported by VISA and good where ever Visa is Accepted at any spa or salon in the United States and International.

Why The Spavelous Spa Gift Card is the ONLY spa gift card you should give.

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas — One man learned the hard way that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

L’Avantage is a salon and day spa in The Woodlands. It has hairstylists and offers waxing and massages.

One man thought he was buying a gift certificate for their services, but ended up falling victim to a scam.

“Sounded like a real good deal … turned out not to be,” said the man, who didn’t want to be identified.

He said a woman approached him in a restaurant with a pamphlet.

“She brought it over; it looked legit. She seemed legit and I ended up buying it,” he said.

The deal was $49.99 for a whole list of services worth at least $300.

“I called the spa and they said we’re not selling anything like that,” he said.

In fact, the name of the spa is misspelled on the certificate and the logo looks nothing like the spa’s.

The company whose name is on the certificate, Smart Circle, said the deals were good and are still for sale.

But the spa said it’s a scam.

“They made it up,” hairstylist Amy Schilling said. “We were approached by the company, but we told them we were not interested in advertising with them.”

The spa said it doesn’t know how many people have these certificates.

“I’m thinking a lot of these are given as gifts and after the holidays receivers are going to be disappointed when they realize they’re phony,” Schilling said.

“I just got taken for $50 and someone has my credit card info. I called my bank and now I have to cancel my card,” said the man. “I just hope it doesn’t happen to anyone else.”

When KPRC Local 2 called the 800 number for Smart Circle, it said they have a legitimate business that’s been around for more than 18 years and this must have been a misunderstanding. The company said it is now investigating.

The sales representative also said that anyone who bought a bogus certificate can get reimbursed or can exchange it for a different one.

Anyone planning to buy gift certificates this holiday season is recommended to contact the company they want services from and make sure it’s a certificate they accept before buying it.

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Be Smart and Safe when you purchase a Spa Gift Card.  Read Why you should only give the Spavelous Spa Gift Card.  The Gift of Relaxation and Beauty is the best gift you can give anyone.  They are great for friends, teachers, husbands, wives, mothers, brothers and sisters.

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Why fight the crowds at the mall when you can enjoy a relaxing shopping experience?
Receive 10% off select Spa products Nov. 27-30.

The Spa at THE HOTEL HERSHEY
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Look glamorous this season with Jane Iredale holiday colors and our 25 Years of Merry signature nail polish!

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Stevenswood Spa Resort Launches ‘Recession Buster’ Gift Card
Two-Night Offer Saves Guests 40 to 60 Percent on Stay

Officials of Stevenswood Spa Resort, one of the nation’s leading spa resorts dedicated to creating a more eco-friendly guest experience, today announced the launch of its

“Recession Buster” gift card. Retailing for $299, the promotion provides savings of approximately 40 to 60 percent from the hotel’s rack rate for a two-night stay. The cards are available at Safeway, CVS, Walgreens and other retail stores regionally, with rollout plans to include nationwide Safeway stores, Vons, Pavillions, Randalls, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Carrs, Pak ‘n Save Foods and Tom Thumb.

“Not only is Stevenswood the first spa resort to offer such a gift card, we also are the highest value card ever to be displayed,” said Dean Norman, Stevenswood vice president of strategic alliances. “For today’s savvy traveler, it’s not a question of cost so much as it is of overall value. Particularly in today’s stagnant economy,

Stevenswood is aware of the obstacles facing many travelers. We believe this value-added gift card goes a long way in alleviating those concerns by providing a superior guest experience at an incredibly discounted price.”

The resort has an initial distribution of 45,000 cards at regional stores and on-line. In the event of over-demand, Stevenswood has partnered with neighboring properties to deal with potential guest overflow, ensuring that all guest needs will be met. The resort also plans to market the card to corporations and large employers, offering private branding/customization as requested.

Dean Norman also noted that a recent study by the National Retail Federation found that gift cards ranked among the top 10 most wanted gifts nationwide. “Gift cards today account for approximately $30 billion in annual gift spending. They allow shoppers to provide thoughtful, meaningful gifts to loved ones while still providing recipients with a certain amount of leeway in how the money is spent specifically. A stay at one of the nation’s leading resorts is an ideal fit for this type of offer.”
Stevenswood Spa Resort is an idyllic retreat on Northern California’s Mendocino Coast.

Contemporary and secluded, this tranquil resort offers a gracious respite for travelers and locals alike. Located two minutes south of the town of Mendocino in Little River, this AAA Four-Diamond property is surrounded on three sides by State Park, and is a short walk to the Pacific Ocean. Intimate by design, elegant by nature, the lodge features luxury suites, the acclaimed Restaurant at Stevenswood, and the Five-Star Indigo Eco|Spa. A private botanical garden, Jacuzzi hot tub spas, and landscaped grounds enhance the breathtaking setting, with a backdrop of Redwood groves and ocean meadows.

Spavelous Spa Gift Card Redeem at tens of thousands of spas across the USA.  Use at any spa or salon that accepts Visa.

The Only Spa Gift Card or Gift Certificate You Should Give

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