A New England furniture retailer has pledged to refund up to £50 million to customers if both the UConn men's and women's basketball teams reach their respective NCAA championship games. Jordan's Furniture, a chain with eight stores across the region, launched the promotion for purchases made between 20 January and 16 February.
Around 20,000 customers could receive full reimbursements if the Huskies win their Final Four matches this weekend. The offer covers furniture, mattresses and accessories, with some exceptions. Brian Mazzilli, a customer from Plymouth, Massachusetts, stands to gain £3,800 for a living room sofa and coffee table. He described his excitement after UConn's men secured a dramatic buzzer-beater victory over Duke in the Elite Eight.
Jordan's has insured the promotion, similar to a 2007 deal that paid out £35 million when the Boston Red Sox won the World Series. Retired president Eliot Tatelman, who remains the company's public face, said he devised the UConn idea to boost the brand's presence in Connecticut. 'We want this to happen,' he said. 'Whether they win or lose, I got to pay for the insurance.'
The No. 1-seeded UConn women face South Carolina on Friday, while the No. 2-seeded men play Illinois on Saturday. If both teams triumph, refund cheques will be issued to qualifying customers.
