Controversial furniture store closes city outlets

A ShanghaiI-based furniture chain at the center of controversy over the source of its products has closed all its outlets in the city for "temporary internal consolidation."

DaVinci Furniture Co Ltd, which faces accusations over claims its Italian furniture is in fact made in China, did not say when its stores will reopen.

Company officials said they will continue to provide after-sales service but will not be selling goods for the time being.

And they said the four stores won't open until higher management authorizes it.

Meanwhile, local courts seem no closer to hearing a case from consumers suing DaVinci for allegedly lying over where its furniture is made.

In August, more than 40 consumers in Shanghai took steps to launch a lawsuit against the company with the help of the Yingke Law Firm Shanghai.

They demanded compensation totaling 1.5 million yuan (US$232,920) from DaVinci, claiming the company did not resolve concerns over where its furniture was produced.