CLOSURE: Baby spa closes suddenly leaving parents without refunds in Mississauga
Published January 18, 2024 at 11:09 am
A once-popular baby spa, with locations in Mississauga and the GTA, has suddenly closed reportedly leaving parents without refunds.
Giggly Panda Baby Spa original locations at 1855 Dundas St. E. in Mississauga and 1600 Steeles Ave. W. in North York abruptly closed this month.
And it appears the closure left many parents out hundreds of dollars with no chance for a refund.
“Please be warned. We purchased a 700 dollar package from the Mississauga location and they closed down overnight. The other locations are not honouring any packages from Mississauga so we are out the money. Do not buy a package or you could be out the money,” one person wrote on Google Reviews for the Burlington location.
“Bought a package with the Dundas centre – which they abruptly closed,” another person wrote. “No refunds, no communication on how to use pending visits. Extremely unprofessional. Least they could have done was allow the prepaid visits to be used at other centres or inform in advance so they could be used earlier.”
A post on Reddit warns parents.
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“Parents beware of Giggly Panda Baby Spa! The franchise has been quickly closing its locations across the GTA leaving customers and employees confused and at a financial lost!” the post reads.
Attempts to contact a representative of Giggly Panda Baby Spa for an interview were not immediately returned. The phone numbers for the Mississauga locations are disconnected and the main website for the spa has shut down.
An automated emailed response from the Mississauga location informs customers the place is bankrupt after seven years in the community.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must share some difficult news regarding our business,” the email reads. “Despite our best efforts and a remarkable journey of seven successful years, recent financial challenges have made it impossible for us to continue operations. Regrettably, this has led to our landlord making the tough decision to cease our business activities.”
This development is deeply saddening for us, as our business has been a significant part of our lives and community. We are immensely grateful for the support and loyalty you have shown us over the years, which made our journey memorable and worthwhile.”
In July 2022, the spa was offering franchise opportunities.
The Erin Mills location, which just opened in April 2023, has also abruptly closed.
The former manager of this location told insauga.com that the brand “collapsed” on Jan. 12.
The employees were left jobless and no customers have been refunded, the former manager said in an email.
The Burlington spa, which opened in November 2021, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to Google, the location is still open and one post indicates they are also victims.
There is a private Facebook page set up for both customers and franchise owners called Giggly Panda Baby Spa Affected Customers, Employees and Franchisees.
Up until recently, the spa received rave reviews for both the Mississauga locations.
“We absolutely enjoyed our experience here at Giggly Panda!” one parent wrote on the Erin Mills location reviews.
“This was the first time taking my daughter to a spa. The staff were friendly and my daughter enjoyed both the massage and hydrotherapy,” another person wrote on the reviews for the Dundas Street location.
But reviews in the last week have turned.
“They suddenly sent an email on Jan 15, 2024 saying they’re out of business. I still have some sessions there, they didn’t mention anything about that or compensation,” one person wrote on the Dundas location Google reviews.
“The service was good however they convinced us to get a package and store was closed down.where can we get the refund? there was no one answered the phone or emailed that they listed. It’s frustrating,” another person wrote on the Erin Mills reviews.
Main photo: Bonnie Kittle
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