NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — More than three months after a popular Nashville consignment store suddenly closed, frustrated customers are still trying to get their belongings back.
Flip Luxury Consignment on 8th Avenue South in Nashville features designer clothing, shoes and accessories for both men and women. The parking lot remains empty, and thousands of dollars worth of merchandise is still inside the store.
After more than 15 years of business, the store abruptly shut its doors on Oct. 23rd. A post on Instagram said the closure was "temporary" as they "work through a medical situation."
The closure came one day after owner Klane Maples was arrested and charged with trespassing and drug possession - after records show he scaled a fence at TBI headquarters and bit an officer who tried to handcuff him. After his arrest, authorities searched his vehicle and found drugs and drug paraphernalia.
In November, Maples was arrested again in Hardin County, Kentucky for driving under the influence of intoxicants and possession of marijuana.
After cleaning out her closet during the COVID-19 lockdown, Celia Jordan dropped off clothing, shoes and purses to be consigned at Flip on Oct. 2. She said she had a positive experience with staff and thought the items sold at Flip were high quality.
However, she said she first became concerned after the store did not send her an email with a list of items they accepted, as promised. After hearing about the store closure on Oct. 23, she began emailing and calling the store but did not get a response. She even reached out to local leaders asking for direction.
"It's not right they closed in October and yet we are still sitting here wondering can we, and when will we be able to regain our personal possessions?" said Jordan. "I just want to rectify the situation for the benefit of all parties involved."
Multiple consignors shared similar stories on social media about calling and emailing the store with questions about how to get their items back, and receiving no response.
The Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky (BBB) reports complaints about Flip date back three years, and the store currently has a "F rating" from the BBB.
The organization is investigating the matter, and encouraged all customers with concerns about Flip to file an official complaint with the BBB. President and CEO Robyn Householder said consignors who signed contracts with the store have rights.
"It's extremely important right now to hold on to all paperwork," said Householder. "Regardless of the company of going out of business, if there is a contractual obligation, they have to fulfill that obligation."
Householder also encouraged people to do research before doing business with a particular company. She said an online search of the business name or owner's name can reveal a lot about the company.
“Do some homework, and make sure you are doing business with someone who is reputable," said Householder.
Jordan said she did sign a contract with Flip LLC, when she dropped off her items but believes the store breached the contract.
"The bottom line is, they aren’t fulfilling their end of the bargain," said Jordan. "If they aren’t going to try and sell it, then give me and other consignors a day and time to be there and pick up our goods."
Until Jordan can get a response from Flip, she said she is left in limbo.
"It makes me sad, and I’m terribly disappointed," said Jordan. "My hope is I can just pick up what is mine."
