Simply Certificates closes Colonie Center location, promises refunds

Simply Certificates is pledging to exchange unused vouchers after shutting down its Capital Region outlet this week.

A recorded message at the company’s offices advises customers from the Capital Region and Connecticut to send the gift certificates back to a Slingerlands address belonging to company President Matthew Esler. The recording says businesses and individuals will be granted a full refund for the certificates.

“I apologize in advance for any inconvenience,” the recording states. “We will make sure you get your refunds in a timely fashion.”

Esler purchased the company from Mark and Jennifer Matteo, who established it as a regional business during the early 1990s. That business, which offered gift certificates redeemable at more than 200 dining establishments in the Capital Region, boomed and at its peak offered deals in 32 cities in 11 states.

But lately, the company started drawing criticism from some customers.

On Sunday, the company closed its kiosk at Colonie Center, according to a mall spokeswoman. The mall was informed about the closure Monday but had no additional information.

The state’s Better Business Bureau had two listings for Simply Certificates in Albany. Both received a failing grade, according to the agency.

In April, Connecticut’s Consumer Protection Department and Attorney General’s Office received several complaints about the business, claiming that businesses were no longer accepting the certificates because the company has gone out of business. The consumer advocacy website ctwatchdog.com claimed a customer was prohibited from using a gift certificate at a restaurant because it had been informed by the company to no longer accept them.

A phone message left at Simply Certificates was not returned Monday afternoon.

The New York state Attorney General’s Office said it hasn’t received any complaints about Simply Certificates failing to deliver on the company’s business promises. However, consumers are advised to keep their certificates and any receipts they might have so they can file a complaint if the company doesn’t honor them.