Ekornes, Inc.

Review: My wife subscribes to [redacted] a national publication whose editors are based in New York City with a presence online at [redacted] In her September issue of [redacted] my wife came across an advertisement by Ekornes, a furniture manufacturer based in Norway with offices in New Jersey, for their Stressless seating chairs (a copy of the advertisement is attached). Please note the following language in the advertisement: “Find more and more savings. Get credit of up to $1,500 toward additional Ekornes or Stressless seating with purchase. Sept. 4 – Oct. 26.” Relying on this advertisement, my wife went to [redacted] an authorized retail dealer for Stressless furniture, in [redacted] on the afternoon of September 5th with the intent of buying two chairs one at the full price and one at a discounted rate. However, that was not to be the case.

The saleswoman at [redacted] told her that the advertisement did not say what it clearly said and would not honor it therefore we did not purchase the chairs. My wife still wanted to purchase the chairs but at the discounted rate advertised by Ekornes. On September 10th I emailed Peter B[redacted] of Ekornes North America regarding this confusion and hoping for a solution. Mr. B[redacted] responded on the same day offering no resolution with further disregard for the advertisement emails attached).

On September 21st I emailed Mr. B[redacted] again requesting that Ekornes honor its advertisement placed in a national magazine with clear language regarding a discount toward additional purchases explaining that I would file a complaint if Ekornes continues to be unwilling to honor their advertisement (email attached). On September 30th I received a letter from a Mr. W. R[redacted] F[redacted] of [redacted] a law firm in Woodbridge, New Jersey explaining that the advertisement “did not commit Ekornes or [redacted] Store to any particular credit.” Further, Mr. F[redacted] explains that my wife “has no basis to assert a claim against Ekornes” and that he will “defend vigorously” any claim we might bring (letter attached).

Ekornes has engaged in false and misleading advertising reinforced with overzealous representation instead of simply honoring a discounted price for a purchase of two of its designer chairs as advertised in [redacted] magazine.

Please advise of a way forward in this matter.Desired Settlement: Honor the Advertisement. Ekornes should send a manufacturer's credit for the purchase of the second chair. My wife wants to make the purchase of two chairs with one at a discounted price as advertised.

Review: I purchased an Ekornes Stressless chair because they were suppose to be so comfortable. Sadly, I have had nothing but stress and discomfort since making my purchase. I have contacted Ekornes USA and Ekornes Norway telling them I have a problem with their chair but I've gotten no reply. The problem I am experiencing is burning pain in my bum and lower back whenever I sit on the chair and this burning sensation continues long after I stop sitting on the chair. This problem has been continuous since purchasing the chair. I gave up sitting in the chair entirely in mid-January (2015) and eventually the burning sensation went away. On June 11 (5 months later) I decided that it was time to try and use the chair again. In less than 30 min of sitting, the burning sensation was back and even though I immediately got out of the chair, I continued to experience this burning sensation in my bum and lower back until June 16. I don't know what the problem is but this chair is obviously not compatible with my body. The Stressless ads are all about comfort. The following are quotes from the Ekornes Stressless chair catalogue. #1) "Comfort is more than a promise-it is a promise fulfilled". #2) ".....And, when the choice is made, it is with one target in mind; lifelong comfort". #3) "For decades we have been committed to our comfort philosophy, which means that every single detail on the Stressless furniture is designed with your well-being in focus. Style and good looks are important, but in the end, it's all about how wonderful your body feels when you are seated." Ekornes promises "lifelong comfort" yet I cannot get comfort for even one-half hour. I cannot afford to spend this much money (almost $3,000) on a chair that I cannot sit on. I am begging Ekornes to understand that in all sincerity this chair is causing me discomfort, pain and stress and I would greatly appreciate a refund of my money. Thank you.Desired Settlement: I am requesting a full refund of the money I paid.