Complaint Review: Rooms To Go

 On June 29, 2007, my wife and I purchased a new living room set from Rooms To Go's "Molina" collection. The description of the furniture on RTG's web site used such phrases as "sleek imported leather," "classic leather," and "rich patina." We bought a loveseat, four chairs, and three tables. We were completely satisfied for the first three years. In 2010, the leather finish began to crack and peel. Slowly at first, then it all began to crumble and peel like skin after a bad sunburn. Not only do the flakes of "leather" finish get tracked all over the house, but it is hugely embarrassing to have visitors sitting on our living room furniture and have to explain why they have brown flakes all over them When they stand up. This furniture looks like we got it used from a homeless shelter. It belongs in a landfill, I just can't afford to replace it. Years ago, my wife and I purchased a leather sofa and recliner from an independent dealer outside Cincinnati. These pieces were still in excellent condition when we sold them - after 12 years and three moves. It was this experience with leather furniture that led us to shop for leather furniture at RTG. It wasn't RTG's reputation, but we felt we couldn't go wrong with leather. Nowadays, we see lots of ads for "bonded leather" furniture. After researching, I believe that is what our furniture is covered with. At the time we were shopping at Rooms To Go, there was no distinction between one kind of leather and another. Had there been, I would have been leery of buying what we did. Our only remedy has been to continue saving for new furniture, and to tell everyone we know about how we were ripped off by Rooms To Go.