Napa, Sonoma Counties Settle Suit With Online Clothing Retailer

NAPA, CA — A $1.5-million settlement has been reached in a consumer protection lawsuit against a California-based online clothing retailer, according to Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley. The civil suit against Fashion Nova was filed jointly by Haley's office as well as the district attorney's offices of Sonoma, Alameda and Los Angeles counties.

Napa County prosecutors described Fashion Nova as a company that operates in the "fast-fashion" industry, which is the moving of clothing rapidly from popular culture to mass production and retail sale.

The consumer protection suit accused Fashion Nova, which sells a majority of its merchandise through its website, of violating consumers' rights by repeatedly failing to fulfill and ship orders within California's legally mandated time frame of 30 days.

Fashion Nova was also accused of not providing adequate notices when orders were delayed, and not adequately disclosing its return policy on its website.

"Online shoppers should feel confident that the retailers with whom they do business will deliver what they promise when they promise, within the bounds of California law," said Napa County Deputy District Attorney Katy Yount.

The judgment reached in the case requires Fashion Nova to pay $250,000 in direct restitution to consumers.

Without admitting liability, Fashion Nova was further ordered to pay $1.5 million in costs, penalties and other remedial payments.

According to the Napa County DA's Office, the company cooperated in the investigation and agreed to make changes to its business practices.

"This consumer protection action not only ensures that, but also protects retailers who expend time and money to play by the rules," Yount said.