Furniture Frustration: Upset customers say local store failed to deliver on promise

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. Upset customers reached out to WINK News Call for Action after waiting months for their furniture, some waiting as long as 10 months.

Colorado transplants Randy and June Carroll said it’s important for them to support the local economy.

“We kind of believe in that,” said Randy.

When they moved in the beginning of the year, they decided to buy a custom recliner from Sofa Beds and Recliners Unlimited on U.S. 41 in North Fort Myers. They knew a custom order would take longer, but thought the wait was worth it.

“… and then after three months I thought, ‘uh oh, something’s not right,’ ” said Carroll.

Carroll said he kept calling the store to find out where his furniture, or his money was before calling WINK News.

“The explanation is a weak one and that’s him [the store manager] saying, ‘Oh it will be another two weeks, another two weeks.’ It’ll be another two weeks and it’s never shown up. It’s time for action.”

Right down the road from the Carroll’s a similar story played out.

“When I signed that piece of paper [the order form] they told me 6-8 weeks,” recalled Anthony Pardal. Six to eight weeks for his sofa bed turned into eight months and counting.

“I don’t want nothing else to do with this guy.”

Dozens of Complaints

The Better Business Bureau rated Sofa Beds and Recliners Unlimited an “F.”

Between the BBB, the Florida Attorney General’s office, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and WINK News Call for Action, we uncovered 35 complaints all within the last year.

Of those who complained, 18 of them got their money back after disputing the charge with their credit card company or bank. Eight eventually received their furniture. Nine people told us they never received their furniture or their money back.

Tracking down the owner

Sofa Beds and Recliners Unlimited is owned by Fort Myers Convertibles. Jeffrey Granistein is listed as the President of that company. His son Lane Granitstein is listed as Vice President. We reached out to both Jeffrey and Lane for this story and both declined an on-camera interview.

Both Jeff and Lane told us that customers who did not receive their furniture would not get a refund, however those people could contact their bank or credit card company and request a chargeback. Otherwise, they could wait a bit longer for their order or in some cases they could go to the store to pick out an item on the floor.

When asked why it took so long for customers to get their furniture, the longest wait being nearly a year, they said it’s been a slow year and they’re working to make it right.

Update on customers

After we reached out to Jeff and Lane, they made contact with most of their clients who had not received their furniture.

Randy Carroll and his wife picked out a recliner on the store floor.

Anthony Pardal hired a lawyer and agreed to wait until Nov. 30 for his furniture. If it didn’t get delivered, he will get his money back. Two others tell WINK News they agreed to wait a bit longer for their furniture as well.

Another person has since received their futon they had ordered.

Two people are requesting a chargeback.

One woman who said she paid in cash for her furniture and has since moved and had to buy new furniture, says neither Lane nor Jeff called her. When we asked Jeff about this woman’s case, he at first told us she would be getting her money back within 20-30 says. Then in a later conversation he said his son was dealing with the case and she will not be getting her money back. Jeff said they are working to deliver her furniture.

The owners did stress their receipts say a custom order could take six to eight weeks or longer.

One woman we did not ask Jeff or Lane about said she just filed a case in small claims court. We will follow up with her at the end of November.

The Attorney General’s Office is investigating the company.

HAVE A COMPLAINT?

The CALL FOR ACTION phone lines are staffed by trained volunteers who are ready to take your call Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Phone: 1-800-795-9465

Email: callforaction@winknews.com

Online: Or click here to Submit a complaint