Suit: Furniture Stores Took Money, But Never Delivered

Chicago, IL. - A furniture retailer with stores in the city and south suburbs was sued Monday by for allegedly failing to deliver furniture ordered by customers and then refusing to provide refunds.

The lawsuit was filed by Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan in Cook County Circuit Court against Ziyad Suleiman, who operates District Furniture, Express Furniture Gallery, Export Furniture and US Furniture at various locations in Chicago, Bedford Park, Burbank and Chicago Ridge, according to a release from Madigan's office.

The complaint alleges Suleiman fails to deliver the home furnishings purchased by customers and refuses to provide refunds of down payments, in violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.

As a result of the deceptive business practices, 54 consumer complaints have been lodged against Suleiman’s companies, accounting for more than $62,000 in losses, the release said.

Madigan’s suit asks the court to prohibit the defendant from engaging in the sale of furniture and from violating consumer protection laws.

It seeks restitution to consumers as well as investigative and court costs, a civil penalty of $50,000 and additional penalties of $50,000 per violation.