A hypnotherapist from Kingston upon Thames has won a legal battle against Harrods after the luxury store refused to refund a £4,550 Cartier bracelet that was too small. Georgia Romain, in her 50s, had saved for years to buy the 18-carat gold 'Love' bracelet online for her birthday, but found it did not fit her wrist.
When she returned the item in its box, Harrods rejected the return, claiming the bracelet had scratches and was damaged. The store said it would be sent to lost property unless reclaimed within 30 days. Ms Romain took the department store to court without legal representation.
Deputy District Judge Elaine Vignoli ruled in Ms Romain's favour at London's Mayors and City County Court, stating that Harrods had 'failed on the balance of probabilities' to prove the bracelet was returned with scratches. The judge also noted that Harrods had refused Ms Romain's reasonable request to see a video showing the bracelet's unique serial number to confirm it was the same item.
Harrods was ordered to pay £4,550 for the bracelet, plus interest and court fees, totalling £5,131. Outside court, Ms Romain said she was 'very relieved' and would never shop at Harrods again.
