Other LanguagesSpokane- -October 8, 1997 - The Washington State Attorney General's office announced this week seven Spokane and three Tri-Cities non-profit organizations will receive $30,000 as part of agreements reached with Ennis Fine Furniture and Oak Furniture Warehouse.
Checks for $3,000 will be sent to the Children's Ark, Daybreak, Excelsior Youth Center, Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs, Transitional Living Center, YWCA and the YFA Connections all of Spokane and Columbia Basic Domestic Violence Services in Kennewick, Benton-Franklin Developmental Center in Pasco and the Sexual Assault Response Center in Richland.
According to Senior Assistant Attorney General Owen Clarke, Jr., non-profit organizations are sometimes designated by the court to receive settlement dollars in deceptive advertising cases, where it is difficult to identify consumers directly impacted or harmed by an illegal practice.
Without admitting wrong doing, the two companies agreed to change their advertising so comparisons or reference prices on sale items are made to "bona fide" or "genuine" prices and that other terms of the sale are clearly and conspicuously disclosed in advertising.
Under the terms of the consent decrees, which were signed in April, Ennis Fine Furniture paid $20,000 in consumer restitution and $10,000 in costs and fees. Oak Warehouse will pay $10,000 in restitution and $5,000 in costs and fees.
Anyone having a complaint about deceptive advertising or any other consumer issue should call the Attorney General's Office at 1-800-551-4636.
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