More complaints filed against shuttered salons

SINGAPORE — The number of complaints filed with the consumer watchdog over the abrupt closure of hair salon chain The Scissorhands has swelled, nearly doubling from less than a week ago.

The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) said that as of 5pm yesterday, it had received 112 complaints against the salon and its affiliate, Shizahanzu. This is up from 59 last Wednesday.

The closure of the chain’s seven outlets has left customers who had bought costly packages at the salons in the lurch. Some customers reportedly have thousands of dollars worth of unused credit left on their packages. Others said they had made appointments over the phone less than two weeks ago, only to find the salons closed when they turned up for their treatment.

Customers who turned to CASE were advised to seek claims through the Small Claims Tribunals. But those who have had their cases heard reported that no one from the salon turned up and, as such, their cases have been left unresolved, Ms Navina Thirumoorthi, 26, an affected customer, told TODAY.

“A few of us had our hearings after filing claims with the Small Claims Tribunals, but the respondent didn’t turn up … We are exploring (taking either the criminal or civil) route, as the recovery of our losses is uncertain in the civil route,” she said.

Ms Thirumoorthi, who is a lawyer, said she had sent letters to the relevant authorities on behalf of some of the affected customers to seek advice on whether this was potentially a case of fraud, in hopes that further action could be taken. So far, she knows of 54 customers who have lodged reports with the police, and said more are going to do so.

Another affected customer, Ms Gwen Chua, 27, said she was still awaiting updates on the claim she had filed with the Small Claims Tribunals as well as the police report she had made. The salon, she stressed, should have given earlier notice that it would shut down.

The Scissorhands, which began operations in 1994, was founded by Mr Leong Pang.

TODAY has not been able to reach him for comment.