Business ProfileforNora NYC

On June 12, 2017, Better Business Bureau Serving Metropolitan New York alerted consumers about two online retailers, Mirina Collections and Nora NYC, that have received multiple consumer complaints filed with BBB. These complaints have not been resolved by the two retailers and, in BBB’s determination, have exhibited an ongoing pattern of deceptive advertising practices. 

In January 2016, BBB began receiving consumer complaints about Mirina Collections. Consumers reported that they had been approached via email by representatives of Mirina Collections to become social media “brand ambassadors.” In exchange, they were allegedly offered a unique handmade necklace (supposedly valued at $180) for tagging the company in photos on their Instagram feeds, as well as 20% Mirina discount codes for the consumers’ Instagram followers. 

Consumers alleged that Mirina Collections required them to pay $40 for shipping and handling of the offered necklace. Many of these consumers reported that, when received, the necklace was not consistent with the representation on the website and that the quality appeared to be inferior to the one advertised. Some even claim to have seen a comparable necklace being sold at prices from $5-$27 on other websites. In addition, several consumers claim that the discount codes provided to them by Mirina Collections did not work. Consumers who attempted to reach the company to discuss the brand ambassador program or request a refund for the shipping fees reported great difficulty in getting responses.

As of June 12, 2017, 38 consumer complaints have been filed with BBB about Mirina Collections, 30 of which remain unanswered by the company. 

In March 2016, the first complaint was filed with BBB for Nora NYC, an online retailer of apparel and accessories. In this and subsequent complaints, consumers reported being contacted on Instagram by Nora NYC to become affiliates or brand ambassadors. In their complaints, consumers alleged that the company promised a number of perks for this affiliate relationship, among them free sunglasses, no-cost shipping, and discounted merchandise.

Some consumers noted in their complaints that they were told they must post pictures of themselves on social media and tag Nora NYC to ensure the affiliation and receive the promised rewards. Several consumers who purchased sunglasses and other items on the basis of these promises reportedly never received the merchandise ordered. A few customers who did receive the sunglasses reported that the product value was far less than they had been led to believe by Nora NYC. Consumers’ attempts to contact the company via email or Instagram were met with frustration, as emails to the company were allegedly ignored and social media posts were reportedly deleted. As of June 12, 2017, of the twelve complaints about Nora NYC filed by consumers with BBB, eleven remain unanswered.

BBB’s investigation into these companies found that both companies had, at one point, shared a mailing address. Mail sent by BBB to this address was returned as undeliverable. Our BBB searches could not locate active incorporation status for either business in New York or Delaware; website domain registration information for both businesses is registered as private; and, telephone numbers could not be identified by BBB for these online retailers.

In November 2016, Metro NY BBB received an email from [email protected] saying that Mirina Collections had dissolved and was recently purchased. In reply, BBB requested evidence documenting the sale and dissolution of the business. The company did not respond to BBB’s follow-up communication and never provided any of the requested documentation regarding its identity or status. 

“Many people treat social media casually, but when it comes to endorsing a company’s products, you should be careful,” cautions Claire Rosenzweig, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau Serving Metropolitan New York. “Your reputation may be on the line, so investigate a company that wants your endorsement.”