Two customers of an Aberdeen skin clinic have been left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after its sudden closure.
Granite City couple Connie Smith, 50, and Ricardo Campos, 46, had paid £800 upfront for two tattoo removals at Union Street’s Sk:n.
But they were left shocked after receiving an email which told them them their treatment couldn’t be completed as the clinic’s owners had “ceased trading.”
Both had already received three appointments to have the ink removed, with eight to 12 recommended.
The couple said it has left them scrambling to find another clinic and their tattoo “faded” after an incomplete treatment.
Now, speaking to the Press and Journal, they said they are “so disappointed” with the situation.
Aberdeen couple ‘so disappointed’ as Sk:n tattoo removal ends
Mum Connie said: “We decided back in February that we wanted to get a couple of tattoos removed that we got done when we were younger.
“We each bought a clock booking for the removal which came to a total of £800.
“We got to the third session which was last week, and then we got this vague email yesterday which told us they couldn’t carry out the treatment anymore.
“I’m not going to lie, I was very angry when I opened it up, we were going to be £800 out of pocket.
I just feel disappointed – maybe to other people £800 is not a lot of money, but it is for me.
“Although I’m disappointed for losing all this money, I really feel sorry for the staff.
“It’s nothing like losing your job.”
Connie added that she is not confident of ever recouping the cost of the removal job.
“I emailed them regarding a refund, but there has been no response,” she added.
“I’m hopeful, but I’m not holding my breath regarding any refund to be honest.”
Sk:n Aberdeen redundancies branded ‘awful’
Sk:n Clinic, which is part of the SKN health group, announced its closure yesterday in a shock email to customers.
The business, situated beside Amarone and Gidi Grill restaurants on the Granite Mile, promised a variety of skin treatments.
It advertised botox, lip fillers, tattoo removals and laser hair removal and other services.
It’s entire workforce was said to be made redundant with immediate effect yesterday wth little notice.
Employing eight staff, all employees were reportedly made redundant in a call with the company’s CEO the morning of the closure.
A now former employee of seven years who didn’t want to be named, also said: “We haven’t been told if we are receiving our July pay or any redundancy package.
“We were told on a call that we were to be given a print out to post on the door, and instructions on how to close the store for good.
“We have absolutely no idea about clients which have paid for treatments ahead of time.
“‘I hope they will be refunded.”
Sk:n clinic ‘unable to fulfil appointments’
Those wishing to contact the clinic by phone are given a message which urges customers to visit their website.
The message said: “It is with regret that we are writing to inform you that the SKN Group, including sk:n clinics and The Harley Medical Group, has unfortunately ceased trading as of July 14 and we were not able to fulfil your upcoming appointment.
“Please visit sknclinics.co.uk for further information.”
However, the website is now not accessible as of yesterday.
The SKN and Harley Medical Group have been approached for comment but we have not yet received a response.
Keep track of which units in Union Street are occupied or empty here.
Conversation