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Neiman Marcus tells local non-profit to change its name
Posted: 09.17.2012 at 6:19 PM
Zoheb Hassanali

Zoheb joined the WACH Fox newsroom in January 2012 from our Barrington sister station KTVO in Kirksville Missouri.

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Columbia,SC (WACH)--It was an unusual start to the work week for Patti Rosenfeld, manager of Revente's Last Call clothing store.

Retail giant Neiman Marcus sent Rosenfeld a cease and desist letter September 14. The company notified Rosenfeld that the "Last Call" part of store's name is a brand they trademarked in 1993; as part of their "Last Call by Neiman Marcus" high end women's clothes.

There is just one problem. Revente's Last Call is a non-profit store that donates 100 percent of proceeds to the Columbia Women's Shelter. In two years, the store has given about $45,000 to help women in need.

Rosenfeld says she does not know what the problem is; especially since there is no Neiman Marcus store in South Carolina.

"We don't understand why they think that we would even be confused as a Neiman Marcus shop. We want to be able to donate to the women's shelter and not spend on something as trivial as this. It's corporate bullying at its best. All we are is something good for the community," said Rosenfield.

Shelter Executive Director Kathy Riley said any potential lawsuit would be frivolous, but could have a devastating impact.

"Every bit of the money they have given to us has somehow touched the lives of hundreds of women. The profits now are going to be to change logos and change signage. You have got to change a brand. And that is expensive," said Riley.

WACH spoke with Neiman Marcus spokesperson Ginger Reeder over the phone. She said the company does not want to shut Revante's Last Call, and hopes to reach a deal.

"We certainly are in full support of the cause they are supporting and the good work they are trying to do", Reeder said. "We work with non-profits all across the country. But as a business owner, and an owner of this trademark that we have had since 1993, we can't pick and choose where we descend our trademark and where we don't."

Rosenfeld said she has gotten plenty of support. A facebook page has been made. In just two days, around 500 people became fans. Rosenfeld said, many others have called or sent letters to Neiman Marcus, voicing their displeasure.

Both sides say they plan to work things out with their attorneys; and think a deal can be reached.

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