District Attorney Jill Ravitch Announces Consumer Protection Settlement with Fashion Nova, Inc.

District Attorney Jill Ravitch announced today that her office, along with the District Attorneys of Alameda, Los Angeles and Napa Counties, settled a civil consumer protection action against a California company known as Fashion Nova, Inc. The judgment was filed in Alameda County Superior Court. 

Fashion Nova is a retailer that operates in the “fast fashion” clothing industry. “Fast fashion” refers to clothing that moves rapidly from popular culture to mass production and retail sale. The majority of Fashion Nova’s sales take place on its website.

The complaint alleges that Fashion Nova repeatedly violated California law requiring it, and other online retailers, to ship items to customers within 30 days of order, or failing that, to send the customer a “delay notice.” The delay notice must inform the customer of the expected duration of the delay and offer a refund, upon request. The complaint also alleges that Fashion Nova failed to adequately disclose its return policy on the website.

“More and more, retail sales are moving online,” District Attorney Jill Ravitch said. “Consumers who order an item online should expect to receive it within a responsible time. We are committed to protecting consumers and creating a level playing field for retailers operating online.”

The judgment includes an injunction to prevent further violations of law and requires Fashion Nova to pay approximately $250,000 in direct restitution to consumers. Fashion Nova was further ordered to pay $1.5 million in costs, penalties and other remedial payments. The company cooperated in the investigation and agreed to make changes to its business practices.

Consumers who believe they have been the victim of an unfair or unlawful business practice are encouraged to contact the District Attorney’s Environmental and Consumer Law Division to file a complaint at (707) 565-5317 or ECLD@sonoma-county.org.