Closed closet company addresses complaints

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A closed north Fulton County closet company facing complaints about employee pay said it will do the right thing.

The Closet Factory closed suddenly this week, leaving employees with questions. They even said they are owed a week's pay.

The Closet Factory did shelving for closets and garages. Roswell customer Kristy Mehalso said she paid more than $400 for shelving in her garage. She said she bought the shelves as a Valentine's Day gift for her husband.

Mehalso said it was supposed to be installed on Tuesday, but no one showed up for the work. She said she's concerned not only for the amount of money she lost but also when she lost it.

"I think they had to know last week that they weren't giving me a thing," Mehalso said.

Fayetteville customer Stephane Paul-Hus said he's been waiting six months for the Closet Factory to install three closets. He said he doesn't think he'll get the more than the $4,100 he paid up front.

"Criminal prosecution is a must here," said Paul-Hus.

Co-owner Kathy O'Malley emailed Channel 2 saying in part, "We are in talks right now to have all installations completed. There are several Closet Factories in the area."

Channel 2 consumer investigator Jim Strickland checked out the owner's story. The corporate website does not list any other stores in Georgia, and a South Carolina Closet Factory employee told Strickland they did not receive a call for help.

"I don't want them anywhere near my house," said Mehalso. "How can I trust they would install anything?"

The O'Malleys did not respond to Strickland's email for an on-camera interview. The corporate office in Los Angeles did not return his multiple calls.

WSBTV