Brief
Bee & Co. skincare store in Westfield Topanga shuts after high‑pressure sales allegations
The Westfield Topanga location was locked up in late September following reports that vulnerable shoppers were coerced into spending tens of thousands of dollars.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Bee & Co., a Southern California skincare retailer, closed its Westfield Topanga mall store in Canoga Park after customers alleged high‑pressure sales tactics, CBS News reported.
What happened
The storefront was found abandoned with a lockbox on the door on Sept. 24, leaving only a faint outline of the brand’s sign. CBS California Investigates documented that employees approached shoppers, offered samples and then steered them into a back‑room treatment before demanding purchases. Two customers, Victor Chisholm and Gabe Cota, both with intellectual disabilities, said they were pressured to buy products and devices totaling more than $60,000. Cota recalled a salesperson saying she “won’t take no for an answer,” while Chisholm said he did not realize the cost would exceed $50,000.
What the reports add
The investigation highlighted that Bee & Co.’s parent, Mazal Group, is based in Chatsworth and operates other stores under names such as Introstem, Rachel’s Best Soaps and The Soap Tree. CBS noted that the Los Angeles Police Department is probing the interactions with Chisholm, but it is unclear whether Westfield mall management removed the retailer.
What was said
Rep. Brad Sherman, whose 32nd district includes Westfield Topanga, said, “This is not what should be going on in our malls,” and said he would alert California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Bee & Co. responded that it is “actively addressing this matter.”
How it came about
Months of reporting by CBS California Investigates had previously shown Bee & Co. staff targeting shoppers in Southern California malls, offering samples and urging entry into stores. The cumulative coverage prompted scrutiny from local officials and law‑enforcement, culminating in the store’s closure.
Key facts
- Bee & Co. closed its Westfield Topanga mall store after allegations of coercive sales tactics. (cbsnews.com)
- Customers Victor Chisholm and Gabe Cota said they were pressured into buying over $60,000 worth of products. (cbsnews.com)
- The store was locked and appeared vacant on Sept. 24. (cbsnews.com)
- Rep. Brad Sherman said he would bring the issue to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. (cbsnews.com)
- Mazal Group, Bee & Co.’s parent, also runs stores under names like Introstem and The Soap Tree. (cbsnews.com)
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “Bee & Co. skincare store at Westfield Topanga mall closes following allegations of high-pressure sales tactics”
