Takashimaya Co. Faces Backlash Over Misshapen Christmas Cakes
A Christmas cake sold via Takashimaya’s online store and delivered to a customer deformed, sparking a wave of complaints totaling 900 as of 8 p.m. Monday, as reported by Takashimaya.
The department store revealed that approximately 2,900 cakes, which were crafted by a French restaurant in Yokohama and produced by a confectionary company in Saitama Prefecture, had been ordered online for ¥5,400 each and were shipped out frozen from Friday to Monday.
Customers began reporting issues with the cakes as early as Friday, with one 50-year-old man who received his cake on Sunday evening describing it as “partly squashed” and speculating that “something may have happened before it was frozen.”
In response to the growing number of complaints, Takashimaya has launched an investigation into the cause of the deformed cakes and has announced plans to issue refunds to affected customers. The 60-year-old owner and chef of the French restaurant expressed regret, stating, “We made it to please the customers, but we are sorry for disappointing them.”
This unexpected turn of events has left many customers disappointed and frustrated, especially during the holiday season when the purchase of Christmas sweets is a tradition for many households. The reputation of Takashimaya, a major department store chain, may also be at stake as a result of this controversy.
Customers who were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their Christmas cakes were met with disappointment as they received misshapen and damaged products. This not only tarnishes the image of Takashimaya but also puts into question the quality control measures in place for items sold through their online platform.
Furthermore, the French restaurant in Yokohama and the confectionary company in Saitama Prefecture, who were entrusted with the creation and production of the cakes, may also face repercussions from this incident. The compatibility and efficiency of the delivery process, particularly for perishable items like cakes, also comes into question as customers received their products in a frozen and deformed state.
Takashimaya has assured the public that they are taking the necessary steps to address this issue and have promised to provide refunds to those who were affected. However, it remains to be seen how the department store will regain the trust and confidence of their customers following this highly publicized setback.
In the spirit of the holiday season, it is unfortunate that what was meant to be a joyful treat has turned into a source of frustration and inconvenience for many customers. As the investigation into this matter continues, stakeholders and consumers alike are eagerly awaiting a resolution that will satisfy all parties involved.
