Calgary yoga studio clients denied refund after business closure

A yoga studio in Calgary closed the business abruptly, frustrating clients and leaving them without a refund.

Hot Yoga on Crowfoot posted to Instagram saying the landlord made large and sudden financial demands that the business couldn’t fulfill.

They go on to say they don’t have the means to offer refunds.

“They’re not answering phone calls, they’re not responding to emails,” said Ken Potter, a current Hot Yoga on Crowfoot client.

“I would like our money back for our passes. I would like to see everybody else who paid for their monthly passes that aren’t able to use them, I’d like them get their money back.”

Potter says his wife paid $1,900 upfront for a yearly membership — just a week before they shut their doors.

“The notice of default was issued by the landlord on Feb. 19 — 9 days before we bought our pass,” he said. “They’re trying to say this was a surprise.”

Potter adds he was also disappointed to find out the studio was still selling memberships, knowing they would have to close.

The yoga studio does have a separate location downtown on 17th Ave — they’re offering to let the Crowfoot clients to use their membership at that studio, but many say it’s too far.

Lawyer Mathew Farell says, if a contract was signed, money was paid, and the promise of a service was broken, there are legal options to think about.

“Assuming the contract was breached, then yes these people have the right to sue, and they should probably consider a class action because then they can do it as a group. Otherwise, it might not be economical,” Farell said.

A separate yoga studio, which is unrelated to Hot Yoga Crowfoot took to social media offering another solution, saying they’re honouring passes from recently closed studios.

Hot Yoga on Crowfoot made Potter aware of this offer, which is their only response back to him.

“And now, they’re basically saying to me: Tough luck, call your credit card company, and this other business, Hot Shop, is accepting these passes,” Potter said. “I’d like to get my money back, so I can pay Hot Shop because they’re actually providing the service.”

CityNews reached out to Hot Yoga on Crowfoot for a comment, and they did not get back in time for broadcast.