Breaking News: Alpha Omega Family Flees U.S.
Over the past few weeks, rumors of financial strife and internal chaos have swirled around Boston-based, nationally renowned jewelers Alpha Omega. Now we hear that owner Raman Handa has quickly and secretly fled the country, taking with him his entire family — including son Amit and daughter Nidhi, both visible faces for the company — and leaving behind 4 stores, what must be millions of dollars worth of inventory, confused employees, and even the family dog.
Staffers arriving at Alpha’s Cambridge headquarters yesterday expected business as usual. But instead, they encountered some serious-looking visitors, and were told that the Handa clan had boarded a plane bound for India on Saturday with 17 suitcases and no plans to return.
“I walked in and I saw different people than usual,” says senior manager Radwan Kheireddine, who has worked for the Handas for more than 15 years. “They started asking me questions about the inventory. I said, ‘I don’t know who you are.’” That’s when the men told Kheireddine they represented a “consulting group working with the bank” but wouldn’t tell him their names, or which company they were from.
Kheireddine says neither he, nor anyone else at Alpha, has heard from the Handas. “I’m not sure when they’re coming back, if they’re coming back,” he says. “I’m in shock. I can’t believe it. I’m still trying to figure out why. I keep hoping it’s not true, but so far it’s turning out to be.”
Kheireddine claims AO has no plans for bankruptcy, and says he isn’t able to comment on rumors of unpaid debts. He does believe the company will be bought before the end of the year; bank officials have told him that three prospective buyers are already in place. “I have to believe they are coming back,” Kheireddine says of his employers, who are ranked among the top family jewelers in the U.S. “How sad that they spent 30 years building a nice business just to throw it all away.”
December 19th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Terrible! They left the dog behind?
December 19th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Sounds fishy. Anytime someone flees the country without so much as a goodbye they’ve done something bad.
December 19th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
As a former employee, I can finally come out and tell the whole world what despicable business practices happen behind the AO scenes, especially at the corporate office. Raman Handa has NEVER been an honest business man. He is finally being seen as what he really IS, a crook in a nice suit.
December 19th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
All their ads in the Boston Globe disappeared over the past month, and Boston magazine, so something was fishy
December 19th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Too bad he gave me a great deal on a Rolex and I am in the market again…Bummer..
December 19th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
It has been a long time coming he has not been paying the vendors and some of the best lines have pulled from his stores
he has just stocked piled some cash and took off!!
and he leaves behind millions in debt!!
December 19th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
well there goes me job….i hope we get payed for this week…cuz that would really suck
December 19th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
This family has taken advantage of many employees and has fooled many people. It will be fortunate when they are brought to justice here in the United States. The other unfortunate piece here is that India is our ally and I hope people don’t view all Indians in a bad light because of these cheats.
December 19th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
of all people, Raman should know that what goes around comes around. He stiffed alot of people for a long time and had alot of people fooled.
i feel no sympathy for him but do feel badly for the people that are still employed at AO and have uncertainty in their lives at this time of year…my best to you people.
December 19th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
I hear you. Im one of them…
December 19th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
dear anonymous, i know who you are…….
December 19th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
I really enjoyed working there, I was completely shocked hearing the news…we closed early because of this, right when we got busy too….more importantly I hope I get payed.
December 19th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
This is madddd gay. I had a feeling something was going to happen when They said they were going to remodel the store 2 years ago and never did. I also heard rumors about the company going through financial trouble, but hey lawsuit baby no severance pay and no final check, The employees better demand money!!!!! beacause this is certainly bull$h*t. Oh well tourneau for me.
December 19th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
yo paulo remember you sold me a swatch
December 19th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
I just want to get PAID.
December 19th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
its not my faulth they could’nt pay their bills
December 19th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Paolo, you sold me a watch too. First you tell me it’s automatic then you told me i need to fill out a card for a free battery replacement. WTF?
And no Radwan he is not paying you your “salaries”.
And yes Xheni it does suck. More for the little arabic guy than anyone else. Now he really has nothing to do.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
that indian bastard is hiding with Osama.
And his son is gay. everyone at AO knows it.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Amen…
December 19th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Seems like this conclusion is rather fitting.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Nothing but a criminal! Raman always speaks of karma and proverbs, all the while not hiding his view that people (his employees and vendors) are cattle, no respect at all. Didn’t even bat an eye when the health insurance for employees was cancelled for non payment without informing people who needed to know. Same as having that poor dumb kid work at his SWATCH store 80 hours some weeks…and paying him with two checks for 40 hours at regular time.
Raman is a money hungry piece of sh*t and has raised his spoiled kids in his image.
I guess karma just kicked you in your midget behind!
December 19th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Wow Karma some strong words BUT I cannot disagree with that statement.
December 19th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
I heard it was the Russians.
December 19th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
I’m really shocked at how ridiculous you all sound… i think the majority of people who have worked or been in contact with the Handas would without reservation say that they are some of the sweetest, most sincere individuals and its really disappointing to me that it takes a family tragedy like this to bring all sorts of pettiness and disrepectful banter out of the wood work. It’s convenient that these kind of comments come at a time when you know there will be no immediate repercussions. (I hope whoever brang up gay midgets is still in the 7th grade….)
I’m writing to raise the issue that this is a generally very caring family that is now under some of the greatest stress I can possibly imagine. I also think that before we all get off on someone else’s hardship we should take a minute to not jump to any conclusions because at this point now one really has any answers whatsoever.
I have no idea what led to this sequence of events but I hope we can all step back and hold our applause at the execution until we actually know that no one’s been falsely accused….
December 19th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Well, I wonder what Ganesh thinks of you now??????????????
No more praying for your son to grow over 5 feet tall and to be straight.
No more praying that your daughter will have that corrective surgery to remove her Kankles!
Something tells me that this is only the beginning!!!!!
December 19th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
Mags…Take the high road if you want….You may be naive, but the people here aren’t…While you’re on the high road, everyone else here is on the same road that the Handa Family is on…They could give two sh*ts about you or anyone else, unless they needed you for something. Someone mentioned karma before….circle of life…For the people that have seen and felt it first hand….It’s a beautiful day!
December 19th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Thanks Mags. I agree with you. They are the sweetest people. We should give them benefit of doubt.
Radwan Kheireddine, think how good they have been to you and your family. This is the time to payback and take care of their business until they figure a way out of this hardship.
December 19th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
I remember the first time I bought a watch at alpha omega a young latino bushy eyebrowed boy and a short almost tiny old arabic male with dry palms helped me pick out the perfect fossil watch they gave me a very good price while a tall and very thin anarexic caucasian european female rang up my sale. AO will be missed and I deeply feel for the employees od the company and as for raman I hope vishnu rips his ball off and feeds it to him on a tissot plate because he is a coward and his buisness and and knowledge and soul are as small as his height.god bless all AO employee and sue the midget and get every penny out of his tiny midget body.
December 19th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Give me a break Nalini…You call out this guy, Radwan, for what? You want him to keep giving? The Handa’s did what for his family?…Left the country with no notice or intention of informing such a loyal employee? Yeah, try telling your wife you can’t fill the fridge because these people who you work for skipped out of the country, but you have to remain loyal. Screw that. If the article is correct and he has worked 15 years for this kind, giving, sweet family..then he deserves much more.
You use his full name as if you know him..what is yours? Let him call you out.
December 19th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Hey Mags, asked the people who worked there if they feel bad for handa. then shut up and dont post anything again.
December 20th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Mags: You live in the same delusional world in which RH lives, the same world where bills get unpaid, and vendor inquiries for remittance are answered with stone silence, silence filled with the aerie nothingness of dreams for fulfillment, and karma-obsessed orisons for hope and wellness and the general sense that all will turn out alright if we WISH hard enough. That may be fine if families - with CHILDREN - weren’t so hard hit by his criminal negligence, especially ONE WEEK before Christmas. I know. I heard the despair in their voices first hand. It sickened me severely. The goodwill your “sweetest, most sincere” people accrued prior has been elided with their latest illicit action.
Whatever tragedy has befallen them has not befallen ALL of them; surely one of them would have had the decency to say: “we have to leave, but not without regard for those we leave behind without communication, without contingency planning, without a strategy to endure not only the normal stress of the season but also a colossal financial mess.” No one, despite several requests, did so.
I weep for the harmed; I berate the willfully ignorant, the TRULY ridiculous, including you.
December 20th, 2007 at 12:23 am
The Handas that everyone here is insulting are not the Handas I know. I have known them for years - you could not ask for a warmer, more generous family. If you didn’t like working there, you didn’t have to, the Handas weren’t holding you hostage. They ran a business which you were all working at because they paid you, now they are gone and obviously in some kind of crisis and you’re insulting them? And why insult them personally? Cowards do that.
December 20th, 2007 at 12:28 am
As far as being Judge and Jury, believe what you will. The facts are the facts, and I believe everyone posting here sympathizes and feels for those whose lives are turned upside down by this, especially at this time of year. Lets not cloud ourselves with any notion that the Handas are anything other than a family of scumbags who left all their loyal employees hung out high and dry. Defend them if you want, but the bottom line is that they don’t give a sh*t about ANYONE but themselves. ANYONE!!!!!!!!!!
December 20th, 2007 at 12:32 am
Hey Matt,
how long did you say you worked for the Handa’s
December 20th, 2007 at 12:35 am
Hi Matt….Why not insult them personally….I have….Crisis my ass…the only crisis they are having is trying to stay one step ahead of the judicial system of the US. I understand that they run a business…Paid you???? I have been a part of the “Don’t pay all of the paychecks” routine that happened so regularly, yet handed the checks out anyway…only to have to worry each week.
December 20th, 2007 at 12:41 am
Anonymous - I don’t answer people that say “amen” to personal insults that have nothing to do with whatever gripe you may have. 2 anonymous cowards, validating each other on an online forum - awesome! Act like a grown up, then ill answer your question.
December 20th, 2007 at 2:21 am
I worked for alpha for 5 years,
I came to work did my job and got paid, I never had any contact with the old man, He seems ok and nice when ever he was in the store,
I made few good connections from alpha, and I am very sad that is gone, although I got say never liked his daughter she had very big ego
December 20th, 2007 at 3:32 am
I could not agree more withMags(11:19 P.M.)Nalini(11:30P.M.)& Matt(12:23 A.M.). I feel sorry for the employees and their families especially due to time of year. But I request everyone to hold their fire till all facts are in. I hope they are soon back to shut up all these venomous individuals who can not imagine what brought on all this to such a nice family to uproot themselves after putting in so much hard work for so many years to establish themselves after being uprooted once before in their lives. If they were such bad employer, why did employees stay there. It is free country and nobody can force you to work for them. It just shows human nature at worst to kick people when they are down.I pray for all employees and them in this time of tragedy.
December 20th, 2007 at 5:12 am
I hope to god everything will be okay with them. I have never known anything but complete unquestionable friendship and support from the family and see no reason to alter my feelings towards them in any way.
OI!!!!!
December 20th, 2007 at 6:34 am
Hmmm… I honestly don’t think you just drop everything and flee the country unless somebody threatens to do something REALLY terrible to you and/or your family. Anyone ever seen The Sopranos? Perhaps this guy borrowed money from the wrong people?? Or maybe the Feds had something on him…tax evasion??
December 20th, 2007 at 6:44 am
I won’t speak to the family as I have never met them, however one can reasonably conclude that a “respectable” business owner wouldn’t have to take his family and flee from the country with no plans for return.
With that said this is just horrible for the employees, I truly hope things work out for them.
Lately it seems Boston based businesses are going through a rough spot, first Boston Baby, from what I read now over a year later the employees will finally be compensated for back wages, then Shreve Crump and Low, luckily the owner of David & Co. bought them and picked up the staff.
For Alpha Omega the store personally I have never recieved good service from them (Really just the Burlington Store), which is why when buying a few watches I opted for other local retaillers such as Shreve and Goldstein Swank and Gordon. Shame too as they had a great selection.
December 20th, 2007 at 8:20 am
I own a few retail stores and have been in business 20 years. I met Raman about 7 years ago when he came into one of my stores and wanted to trade a watch for something. When I told him that I dont wear a watch, he become upset and left. What a jerk.
December 20th, 2007 at 8:50 am
What will happen to Ahmet’s yet to be published memoirs, “It’s About Time?” In one of the suitcases?
December 20th, 2007 at 9:14 am
I Have only been in Cambridge for a little time, so I really don’t know what I can say other than my judge of character, I’m not a bad judge I might add(although no one is perfect.)I did not know the family, I only met Amit, I never worked for the guy but I can tell you that I have never met someone with such a big heart. I moved to Boston in September and have never met someone who impacted my life in such a way. Honest to the core and was the type of guy that would give his shirt off his back for a friend. I’m not someone that could ever offer Amit anything. I don’t have money, I could barely afford a fossil. This didn’t affect my friendship with Amit and as far as all the name calling…. we all know your weak people that would kick someone when they are down(why don’t you grow the fuck up) I do feel for the employees, no one wants to be left out, but I’d wait to see what unfolds. I hope they alright and maybe this is all just a family crisis manipulated into something else.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:19 am
Thanks Ramen! 5 Days before Christmas! To all those who choose to stand by him and his family PLEASE come by my house and tell my 2 kids why mommy and daddy can’t afford gifts for them. Better yet leave a donation at the door so we can afford oil to keep all of us warm the next few months.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:27 am
How very sad for all the hardworking employees, trusting vendors, and loyal customers. I only hope the staff can get paid this holiday season. This is truly a selfish and unfortunate circumstance.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Follow-up question: What has happened to sidekick Erin? in one of the suitcases editing the memoirs?
December 20th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Paid his unemployment taxes! Good luck!
Hes a guy who tossed a girl to the curb when she made a complaint to the state because honorable handa didnt pay time and a half for workers on sunday. Why? He “didnt believe in it”.
Swell…
Watches “stolen” from the store that turn up in another store. selling Rolex tools and supplies to others, strictly against the wishes of Rolex, I am actually giving myself a head ache thinking about this terd!
The big question is why is Boston Magazine covering this? Its not in the regular newspapers.
Raman didnt pay his ad bills and now they’re pissed, thats why! You only get best of Boston when you pay the magazine. After that youre ‘breaking news’ (has there ever been another ‘breaking news’ story on this site?!)
I guess theres a couple of chicken shit ad sales people who wont be getting there commissions this year. You should have sued him when you had the chance. Now you’re only satisfaction is trying to make him look like a jack ass. Again, youre too late, he and those freak kids of his did fine in that area long ago.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Atull??, I forgot about the cash he used to send to india, violating federal laws. Now amit can by some street kids for…
December 20th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Didn’t AO have a Red Sox promotion like Jordan’s Furniture? (Buy something and then get a refund if they win the Series.) Did AO follow through? Maybe THAT has something to do with it??
December 20th, 2007 at 9:49 am
For the record. There’s also an article in the Boston Globe covering this story. Not much to add though…
December 20th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Eighthman, very interesting theory!
December 20th, 2007 at 10:03 am
i met ahmit working in harvard square and he is the rudest little person i have ever met. his insecurities brought him down. he harassed people everywhere if they did not bow down to him.
December 20th, 2007 at 10:23 am
what about the dog is anybody feeding him?
December 20th, 2007 at 10:42 am
H ave
A
N ice
D ay
A sswholes
December 20th, 2007 at 10:45 am
Former Employee 2, its clear you’re upset and righfully so. However, its apparent that you were aware of all these happenings for a while. Did you ever report them, come forward, go to the DA. So you just sat there and let it all happen. Who’s the coward…
December 20th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Well, well well. Unlike you un-named writers talking about Mr. Honda, I am one of the original 1991 Swatch store owners in New York who had the honor of having Mr. Honda transship Swatch product to unofficial dealers in NYC so they could undercut the Two official Swatch Stores at South Street Seaport and 42 Street.
We confronted Honda and Swatch then and he gave everyone the smooth talk, but we knew he would not stop. The best part is Swatch threw money at him for advertizing based on all the product he was buying.
The pyramid just blew up.
Happy Swatching.
Gerry Nally, Chrono Tech Watch Co. White Plains NY
December 20th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Amit has always wanted to be “famous”.
I guess now he finally is.
“It’s about time” you came out of the closet.
Why don’t you stick that in your book, Amit?
Raman used to tell me that he had failed miserably with Amit as a father. I guess that explains a lot about his wierdness.
Let me know when the book gets published.
December 20th, 2007 at 11:16 am
Yea, I’m here reading these comments when normally I should be working right now. Its very sad and disappointing. But hopefully all of us can at least get our money. Its almost christmas and I need the paycheck. But honestly some of these things that people have posted here are true but I will not comment. Thanks for all the wishes and god bless you all. Have a Merry Christmas.
P.S.- I felt like this guy didnt have a heart and only cared for himself and his family members. Which shows why he fled with them. But I understand you need to at least praise them for the good things they have done. But it wont stand out because they have done so much bad. The little selfish things that they have done. And how they tried to use employees. I agree, quit if the place doesnt suit you but some people do it for the love of watches other than just the paycheck. The enviornment that I worked in was very comfortable and the co-workers were the best. Well time to watch some TV. Havent watched some day-time television in quite a while. Its sad and it sucks not being able to work.
December 20th, 2007 at 11:24 am
As employees, we stayed because we were invited to stay and because we were happy. Not because we could not succeed elsewhere. The former employees that are making these comments were fired, asked to leave, miserable people. High turnover rate = unhappy employees. Most of A/O employees have been there for 5 - 10 years. It is truly amazing how you are all basking in the misfortune of others. You don’t know what happened. Given the opportunity to flee a bad situation, not one of you would stay behind and face the consequences. The Handas’ came here to make their fortune in life, they did so, and then left when it became evident that they could lose it. They took care of their own, as would any of us. They also took care of the family dog by leaving him with friends.
December 20th, 2007 at 11:36 am
hi everyone, i am an employee/almost former employee with over 7 years of employment at alpha, fully trained for those that think we did not have any experience as well as customer service, i am deeply hurt by the way that this was handled by raman and crew, i will miss everyone employed within this establishment and can only wish the best for everyone. i now know what it feels like to be on the outside looking in…. i loved the store and the people in the burlington location, we all had something to give and enjoyed and had fun at our store. my loyalty was not to raman, it was to beverly and our store. thank you store #3…..as my dad always says, keep your chin up, don’t let anyone know you are down, and for every door that closes another one will open.
December 20th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Raman Handa and his family left the country without telling anyone because he has stolen millions of dollars worth of goods.
Why? Because he could — with the help of his trusty son and daughter.
He fled because the bank found out and he knew if he didn’t run he would be going to prison.
Don’t believe me? Wait and see.
December 20th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
First off, my best wishes to Alpha Omega employees during what must be a very stressful time - not to mention, during the holidays. I would like to comment, though, on Boston Magazine’s handling of this situation. I think it’s shameful and unethical for Boston Magazine to air a client’s dirty laundry both on this website and through today’s article on Boston.com. Regardless of whether or not the allegations against Mr. Handa are true, it makes me question Boston Magazine’s handling of what should be a confidential client/vendor relationship. Is it really necessary for magazine executives to share that they stopped taking Alpha’s ads over the summer because the client had fallen behind on payments? Why not take the high road as exhibited by Peter Ockerbloom from the Boston Globe, who was quoted as saying it’s the Globe’s policy not to comment on relationships with customers? Regardless of the current state of affairs, this doesn’t seem to me a very fair way to treat someone who was once your most valued client.
December 20th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Hello. As a member of the large Indian community in Boston and as a person who knows the entire Handa family well, obviously this is a shock, independent of what rumors have been swirling around town for the past 6-12 months. If the family truly was skimming off the top, laundering money offshore, with a long-term master plan to leave the country when the heat came (IRS, FBI, Chapter 11), I am today embarassed to have known this family and to have kept them in the high regard that I did. Time will tell, but right now, the perception (and perhaps reality) of the “Handa Empire” has melted faster than the snow falling outside my window.
December 20th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
It’s sad that honest people get hurt finacially, lose their paychecks just before the holiday’s. Up until recently, my understanding is, the business was doing so well, they placed orders with Vendors, had trunk shows, and even had an Internationally renouned Artist, present, while displaying some of his Jewelary creations, that his company had founded. The rumor mill has it that a lot of product was invoiced to AO, and they were requesting a huge credit for sponsoring the event. Steeling is steeling, nobody just leaves the family dog alone, business, and scadaddles after years of building a business. Shame on you sir, you will be found!
December 20th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
I came back from my days off to hear that the owners had run away and had left no instructions to anybody as to what to do… I am glad that I found myself a job before all this happened. Unfortunately it is not the case for the rest of the employees…Yesterday was a horrible day…I could see misery in every face…But we still went through the day given every customer the great service that they expect from Alpha Omega Jewelers…
December 20th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Gosh never saw so much hateful mail. wait till the whole story gets out. Hard to believe a seemingly succesful guy could get into this kind of mess unless there is fraud involved? If he was in over his head he could file bankrupcy and work it out. BUT, if he stole money or watches that belonged to the store then he might indicted for theft.
Fleeing to India may not solve h is problems since he might get picked up on a warrant from Interpol..question is whether or not India will extradite him. He must be in real deep trouble sincehe is giving up the equity in his lovely home?
December 20th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Good luck to all you guys at the stores.
December 20th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Equity in his home? He has two seperate mortgages on it. One for $2.8M and one for $1.85! This guy is in deep.
December 20th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
My heart goes out to the employees at AO, especially those at the Burlington store. People like Adel, Beverly, and Andrea always treated me well. I have known them for many years and I wish them the best. I feel like I am losing good friends.
December 20th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
thank you ray, you are a genuine, true gentleman, take care, ANDREA
December 20th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Yeah, I am not afraid to leave my name. I am “the girl Raman fired after I filed a complaint with the state that he was not paying time and a half on Sundays.” Seriously, I worked at AO for almost 2 years, ALL the people were great, except Raman. I have never heard a man come up with more excuses and then turn around and kiss your ass when he could not follow through. He seriously makes me sick. There was definitely shady business going on and I am not surprised that the weasel couldn’t back up all of his promises and fled like a bitch to his mother country! He does not deserve to live on US soil!!!
I feel awful for all of the wonderful people that this has left unemployed and shocked. I really wish you all the best and my heart goes out to all of you!
As for Raman, I hope that Brant sends all of his Brockton goonies after him and “takes care of the problem.”
Shirlee
December 20th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
To all AO staff. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Hopefully this will have a good ending for you, not only in the long run, but in the very coming days as well. I hope you are taken care of. I have appreciated all the support you have given me and my company over the past few years and am truly saddened how this leaves each of you at this time of year. All the best to you as you continue to heal and move forward. Please know that thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 20th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Hey guys,
Does this make you wonder if are armed robber that got away with the gold and ruby rolex was a Raman hired insider!?
Seriously…he sucks!!!
December 20th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I lost my faith in this company about two years ago when they screwed up my order for an engagement ring _THREE_ times, and then told my financee-to-be about the problem without my permission. Fortunately, I got my deposit back and took my money elsewhere. I never understood how they kept winning Best of Boston. (Must be all the ads they place in the magazine.)
December 20th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
What about the guy whose fiancee died before he could give her an engagement ring.
Good ole raman wouldnt take the ring back and then gave the guy a store credit!
I hope he cashed that in already…
December 20th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
“Alpha Omega customers were baffled and angry, with many wondering where or whether they could pick up jewelry or watches that had been ordered or dropped off for repair.” (Boston Globe)
i assume that all those people who think so highly of that turd didnt have any of their own items waiting to be returned.
what a swell guy.
December 20th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Wow - so many of you just can’t get enough of kicking the handas while they are down and unable to defend themselves. So sad to see such a wonderful family’s name being dragged through the mud in their weakest moment. In case the Handas are putting themselves through the torture of reading this crap - know that so many of us are worried about you and are wishing you the best - stay strong.
December 20th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
It is shameful that Boston Magazine is so gleefully covering this story. For years the management of Boston Magazine accepted deals from the Handas, went on vacation with the Handas and forced their staff to write glowing stories about the Handas (including giving them a Best of Boston award each year.) Now that the money has dried up, all bets are off?
December 20th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Well I personally am glad the store is closed. I somewhat feel for the employee’s but then I dont. I used to work at a near by jewelery store in burlington and let me
ell you there is not one day that we would sell a watch and it would get returned because of all the sharks in burlington that would discount way beyond what the vendor said they could. Not only that but everytime people would come in they would tell us about the horrible service but the price was jsut too good. Money talks and bullshit walks but ramans bullshit jsut walked all over him. As for the employee’s im sure you guys will find work somewhere else.
December 20th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
^ ya well the truth is the truth. i just read a story about a guy who sent in his 20 year old rolex for service @ their burlington store, now he can’t get anyone to answer the phone or get his watch back.
December 20th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
diamond dan, where are you currently employed? The employees at A/O want to be sure and stay clear away from where bullshit walks.
December 20th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
The worst mistake Raman ever did was bring his family in to the business…Bringing his nephew that sold ball bearing in india to become the vice president of his company was foolish. And those kids of his,,, I would have paid them a salary just to stay away from the stores. Those two couldn’t manage their way out of a wet paper bag never mind a multi million dollar business. Thoughts and prayers to the loyal employees that are being affected by this mess. I just hope that everything works out for all of them.
December 20th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Matt,
Just what are you talking about? The Handa’s putting theselves through torture reading this? Their good name being dragged through the mud? I’m sure they are reading this and if they truly wanted to “save face” they would post a reply. They don’t have email in India? This wonderful family of Saints packed up and ran away from the law. I’m sure they left with plenty of cash, hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars. They most likely fled to their palace in India and are having a servant wash their feet as I type this. The employees of AO are the ones being put through torture, not knowing where their next buck is coming from. Matt, have you thought about the reputations of the family names of the AO employees? How are these people going to look to their creditors if they don’t have money to pay their rent, heating, food, car payments, insurance and all other expenses? Were the Handa’s worried about anyone but themselves? Other comments have been made here about their height, weight, sexual orientation and so on. None of that is relavant. The issue is their responsibility to their employees for their welfare. So, please Matt, don’t take to me about the “torture” the Handas are being put through. We do not have all the facts, but I’m sure there are other ways their situation could have been handled. As I understand, the Indian culture is based on honor and pride, if the Handas had any they would have stayed in the US to accept the consequences for their actions.
December 20th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Matt… I assume you are happily employed this holiday season? Most of the comments here are from Bewildered employees of A/O wondering how the Handa’s can just pick up and leave without even an explination. It obviously does not look good when you pack up your whole family and flee back to your homeland. All you see is the Handa’s name being dragged through the mud… Do you see or even care that there are 80 some people wodering if they are going to get a paycheck tomorrow? If Ramen had been an ethical Buisness man he would have stood up in front of his employees and apoligized and explained what was going on. Instead he left like a theif in the night! His kids have learned a valuable lesson, when things get tough RUN LIKE HELL! Cheers to you Matt! I hope you have a happy holiday, and enjoy that your paycheck was just direct deposited in your account. Others will not be so lucky you SCROOGE
December 20th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
i’ve been reding this most of the day and will now say that I do feel very badly for the employees who really didn’t know they type of mane they were working for. Let’s keep the crap about the kids out of this and if you want to bitch, keep it factual and professional.
I have a hard time feeling bad for some of the employees, you know who you are, that knew exactly what was going on from day 1. How can you be his lacky one day and than lament about weather or not he is going to pay your salary…some of you are just as guilty as the ownership.
But let’s now have a chuckle over our favorite Boston Magazine rep, Emily…she was so far up Raman and lived the life for a long time just kissing his ass and treating him like a god. Funny what happens when the bills don’t get paid. Gone are the days of double billing and bogus invoices so he could bilk advertisers of hundreds of thousands.
My condolences to the Burlington Staff, the only decent group at that company.
Let’s forget about feeling bad for the Handa’s, they have every chance to issue a proper statement, speak with the financial backers or employees and set the record straight. This news is all over the place and I am sure this story has gotten to the Handa’s yet they seem to choose to enjoy the curried chicken and tandorri rather than respond to the allegations before them.
This story is only going to get worse as more comes out so if you want to bitch, keep it professional, directed at the owners and leave the employees - except the small few who were part of the madness - out of this mess.
December 20th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Who’s naming names now? I think it was unfair and hypocrtical of you karma bites to call out the rep, and a really horrible, horrible accusation when how would you even now.
December 20th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
your right, my apologies
December 20th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Shame, shame, shame on you Raman Handa. What does Ganesh think of you now? Thank you Ray and Jeff S. We will miss our customers and reps who have been inconvenienced by our closing. Raman set the wheels in motion when his kids were still kids and Atul was still in India. No one could have guessed this would happen. We were all hard working, loyal and dedicated employees committed to our customers. I liked my job. Thanks Bev.
December 20th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
To everyone from Burlington, it was great getting to know you. You were all a lot of fun. It was nice to come to work. Thanks for taking me in Beverly. I will always be grateful. Miss you all so much already.
December 20th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
There’s no way this guy isn’t a crook. You don’t pack up at Christmas, flee the country, take out an extra mortagage, etc.
This stuff makes me sick.
December 20th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Over the last few years i have done alot of business with him and I can tell you he NEVER kept his end of any deal, whether terms of payment,etc.. He is a polished smooth talking liar who suckered many vendors into a situation that was already about to explode. That is fraud. There are many vendors who will be put into financial jeapordy due to his unethical behavior.
December 20th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
how were the natick store employees?? any of them knew what was going on…we’re they in the know?
December 20th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Raman has two young Children in their teens who are very good kids- and my heart breaks for them! I was in the company of one of them recently at an event, and she is a wonderful Young person!
December 20th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
Hey, does Alpha Omega still carry the Breitling line?
December 20th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Paul - Raman does not have two young children… his children are all grown up and part of the bullsh*t… know your stuff before you post.
December 20th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
I think people should watch what they say, what goes around comes around, two wrongs dont make a right !!
December 20th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
All I can say, is not a single person in A/O deserves what Raman has done to them. I don’t know many of you, but did get to know a few of you through a common friend. I just want you all to know, my thoughts and my heart are with you all, the employees this season. And there is absolutely no defending Mr. Handa and his actions recently. Good name? He has thrown that right out the window by leaving all these people in mystery this close to Christmas.
And Beverly would like to add, since the sight admin seems to like to pull and block people if they have anything nice to say…
“Andrea Dawn Joni Adel Lori George C George M Joe K Joe M Tony Wendy Luccia Marianne Cyrus Darioush Ali Marcels You are all the very best people I have ever worked with and even under the toughest circumstances you always remained loyal and professional to yourselves and the company you worked for. I will miss seeing and talking to you all on a daily basis all I can say is thank you so very much for all the support you have always given me. ”
And can I just add, it wasn’t Raman or his family that made A/O what it was up until recently. It may have been his money, and his vision that started it, but it was the employees that made it so successful. I might also insert, it was also Raman and his family that just ruined a bunch of peoples Christmas’s, employee and customer alike! There is absolutely no defending that. So far as I am concerned, Handa has no Honor!
Marry Christmas, EH!
December 20th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
This is a sad and tragic story not just for the employees, but for the customers (those who have money in down payments, watches in for repairs, etc) who have had their holiday season tarnished. I won’t pass judgement on the Handas until the truth comes out, but if it smells like this, it probably is this. The over-leveraged home, the late/non payments, the missing owner, and finally the closing of the stores at the height of shopping season almost certainly spell financial disaster and escape. I can’t think of another reasonable explanation.
I hope that there is some resolution for all those affected, including the Hanas, but this does not look promising. My fondest hopes for the best go to all of those who are struggling with this at what should be a joyous time of year.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
I am one of the employee who worked for this great company for seven years.I like to say to all other employees that I am sorry about what has happen, I hope you all can deal with this and wish you the best and hope you all will get a good jobs. I have worked for almost most jewelry stores in boston, and this company and the staff were the best people that I have worked with, pluse Mr. Raman Handa and his family were really kind and generous people to most everyone that worked there, and many of us earned great salary for many years and we were all happy to work there. I also know some of us that lost their job here at past always tried to come back and work for this company because they liked it very much. I wish you all the best and good luck to all people at Alpha Omega Jewelers.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Typical Boston magazine antics. No surprises there.
Now it all makes sense to me.
I brought a watch in for a battery, waited two months, and was told it would be $1,000.00 for a complete overhaul. I got an attitude when I said just replace the battery, so I said forget it, just give me back my watch. Damn good thing I picked up the watch last week.
I still had the priviledge of paying 25 bucks for sending my watch on a three month vacation.
Shysters.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
to my little girl IRENE a special message just for you. You are the best keeping smiling that beautiful smile and make lots of babies soon love Bev
December 20th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
To my friends at AO. You are in my thoughts & prayers
December 20th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
i did business with mr. raman for twenty years when he used to have the brass business card. he was so honest he even had his london phone number on it. very, very nice man. he would invite me to his store and then talk silly things but he was so smart that i was always happy. he would tell me how lucky god had made him. and then i would pray that god would make me lucky too and that mr. raman would pay me. he always paid me even if it took two whole years. i feel very bad for mr. raman and his family. the only thing that is a surprise to me is why mr. raman did not eat the family dog before he went home to india.
December 20th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
What I am finding awful about the above story is that Boston Magazine, which had a strong business relationship with AO for so many years, was the one to “break” this story, and do so in such a nasty way. Since when is Boston Magazine a source of credible, or any, news in Boston? The above story is written in such a gossipy, unprofessional, mocking tone, that it’s hard to believe that anything in there is NOT just an attempt to spread rumors about a family going through a difficult time. Why write this about a company which worked with them for years? And why comment on the details of your relationship with AO? What does that say about Boston Magazine? In the end I think it’s Boston Magazine that looks bad, unprofessional, and vindictive.
December 20th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Knew he was in trouble when Breitling pulled out last year. That was a bad sign indeed.
I loved shopping at AO, thanks to all that worked there and were so helpful over the years, especially the folks in Natick. Tourneau is not the same personalized service.
December 20th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
sdclams, I was in the Natick Collection the other day. I went in to AO (no other customers in the store), and wasn’t approached at all in ten minutes. I guess the guy at the far end was enjoying his coffee and leaning on the case too much. I left and went elsewhere and purchased a watch.
December 20th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
Wow, I can’t believe it! I can’t believe what happened and why and how they went about it! I’m going to miss going to work every day at Alpha Omega. It’s not often you find a job that you love going to! I worked with the greatest bunch of people of whom I call my friends. Bev, you’re included! Oh and George too! I’m also going to miss our Vendors, you too became friends. I’m going to miss a lot of special customers as well! It’s not fair, we can all kick and scream and swear up and down. It will probably make you feel better for a little while, I went to the gym and ran for an hour! Nothing is going to change what happened, hopefully we’ll all get through this and it will all be a memory!
December 20th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
It sure is nice they have a country to flee to.
December 21st, 2007 at 12:32 am
im gonna miss everyone at AO…and i mean the ppl at prudential, i was always happy to go to work because i loved everyone and i enjoyed workin with them
good luck guys and happy holidays
December 21st, 2007 at 1:16 am
I worked for Alpha Omega Jewelers in the Prudential Center for about a year, and I was absolutely shocked about what happened. Hope the employees are able to make it through the season.
Amit was a very nice and helpful person, especially when I first started with the company. He truly loved watches, and was not a pushy guy at all.
Was never a fan of Raman’s daughter, though. Seemed like she desired to be royalty all the time.
However, the employees were great, and are truly down to earth, IMO. Wish them all the best, as none of them (except perhaps the Handa family) deserved to be left without answers, or their paychecks.
December 21st, 2007 at 3:24 am
Good riddance, Alpha Omega is a waaaay overpriced store with pretentious employees. Jared’s, Long’s, Sudbury Diamond exchange etc. are all a bunch of hack stores where the primary business is to rip people off. Buy your jewelry for 1/10 the price and 100x better quality on Bluenile or Whiteflash or just go to NYC.
These Boston stores have been hosing consumers in the area for years, and now that bubbles have burst and the economy is normalizing these types of stores are tanking. The employees are just as responsible as Handa for this BS. Was Handa at every AO location every day selling to customers???!!! The employees were also enablers of the poor business model, no sympathies here.
Wow, you are losing your job? What do you expect? Why don’t you guys become realtors? Then you can keep bitching about the company you work for despite the obvious economic environment.
December 21st, 2007 at 7:34 am
Hi. I used to work with Raman and family over 10 years ago and have mixed feelings for them. Raman was always a very gracious, polite man but at the same time was a pain in the *ss when it came time to collect monies owed. My question to all the emplyees is: What was the mood of the Handa family leading up to this fateful day? I can’t believe there was no indication that something was up.
December 21st, 2007 at 7:39 am
I hope everything works out for the AO staff and the customers with pending transactions. Good luck and happy holidays to you all!
Customer, Why bother bitching and whining to all of us? Take your venomous dribble somewhere else. I’m sure the people reading these comments really don’t care what you think….
December 21st, 2007 at 8:15 am
mr or is it ms. customer? what meaningful employment do you call your profession? helping the poor perhaps or is it the sick? I think not since someone who doesnt have the courage to back up their remarks with identity says it all. i had the priviledge to work with some truly great people!
BEVERLY
December 21st, 2007 at 9:20 am
In reply to customer (reply #2) obviously this “customer” is not only ignorant but also someone that has never bought anything from the stores he has mentioned . It sounds like a person that could not afford nice jewelry (he probably goes to the dollar store for his jewelry he obviously does not know about quality- he thinks rolex and timex are the same company) and has been frustrated by that fact so he feels big making stupid remarks. He also knows nothing about business ( I am guessing that he does not have a job that pays (maybe he lives off of his mommy). An intelligent person (and one who works) would know that salespeople have nothing to do with runing the business they are solders (privates) that know that they must put in their hours and sell to make a living and like the army the officers give the orders. One last thought any person that is happy about hard working people not being able to have a Xmass for their kids is a JERK . Oh in case you are wondering I don’t and never have worked for Alph Omega - I just can’t stand idiots.
skip
December 21st, 2007 at 9:47 am
Thank goodness I paid for this on a 1 year interest free card and have only paid minimal. My watch that I dropped off for a battery - I will probably never see again and called the credit card company and told them they can write the rest off.
I feel bad for all those who were ripped off by these jerks. I should have gone to Tourneau, even to pay more as the service at OM wa beyond horrible and money should not only talk. Learned from that mistake.
These horrid people will pay the price and will be brought to justice.
December 21st, 2007 at 10:21 am
I have been watching this for 2 days. Everyone has lots to say. I have worked for A/O for many years. I feel the need to set some things correct.
1- Yes, Boston Magazine this does seem to be the wrong way to have released this. BM you must do what you have to and only time will tell how this will affect your bottom line.
2- To all of you who judge the people who work for him. Most people who worked for him where not aware of what was going on. Raman did not spend any amount of time in the stores. When he did come in it was always short and he always had his happy face on. This is why the shock. Many of us are good people. How many of you have not agreed with or approved of what you boss has done. Those of us who knew things might have had to stay for personal reasons. (Location, work hrs, co-workers…) Let us vent.
3-About the family- A lot of people are writing in and saying the same unflattering things. There are just a few of you who are praising Raman. Maybe you did not have to do any of the dirty work. Do you know when you refused to do the dirty work the whole gang of Handa’s gave you a hard time? You could end up just like Shirlee. I have seen it. You ask the kids be kept out of it. Well Nidhi is a college graduate and in her late 20’s and Amit is in his early 30’s. They could have gone out on there own and worked. They both chose the family business proudly. They both have titles of Vice President. Nidhi share an office with here father for years. Tell me she did not know. Don’t take personal shots at how the family looks or how they act. What goes around comes around. Amit made fun of everyone. No one was exempt including his family. They where going to be the watchmakers to the move stars , have stores all over the world, write a book about them selves and be more famous then the Hilton’s. If you put you self out there the way they did you have to except what comes with it. Oh, and the bit about” they to not have access to internet in India”. They all own blackberry’s had probably have carpel tunnel of the thumbs. Have you seen them text? Especially Nidhi, She is very good at it. Do not worry if the going gets to ruff in the heat of India they will move on to London, England.
4-Each store has fine groups of people. They worked for there Managers loyally. I will miss all of you who have entered my life. Peace to all of you. This door is closed. The open one can bring you greater things. Go forward and work hard. Raman supporters remember how you treat people in this life is generally how you will be treated back.
5-I feel one or more of the Vice Pres could have steped up and stayed here do do the family bussness.
6-My question to Raman is: Why did you not come to the stores or call your managers to let your loyal employees know. Did you go to India in an airplane ambulance? I will have to do research on that countries fine healthcare system. I truly whish you and your family peace and good health. Some times it is found at the most difficult times of our lives. People who go to AA use the 12 Step program to heal. Please skip to step #8.
“8. Made a list of all persons you had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.”
There is so much to say but I’m sure my space is limited. Thank you for the space.
December 21st, 2007 at 10:43 am
I am a former employee of AO and maybe this is not the time or place, but I would like to address an issue that has bothered me for years. Those customers who waltz into the former stores and announce “I’m a very good friend of Ramon’s” or better yet ‘I’m a very good friend of Emily’s.” After making this great announcement, these “extremely close” friends of Ramon and Emily expect the skies to open up, angles should emerge, a red carpet should be rolled out, trumpets should sound and all store employees are expected to kneel in front of them because we have been blessed with then great honor of having the “close friends” shop in our humble store. Let me tell what the “close friends” expect. They expect to leave the store with free merchandise and a check from AO, or they expect it to be sold at 50% below cost, they expect a lifetime warranty, they expect free straps, free bracelets, free batteries, free polishing cloths, free jewelry cleaner and they expect AO to send an empty box to friends or relatives out of state just so they don’t have to pay a 5% sales tax. If these people are sooooo close to Ramon, they would know which store he works out of and when. They expect us to track Ramon down and call him because they deserve a “special price for close friends.” After getting in touch with Ramon his usual response was “Who are these people?” What is their name again?” Emily’s friends always announced that they have been to Ramon’s house and to them I say “Big Deal, so have I and so have hundreds of other people.” If I were Emily I would find myself a new group of friends, because it obvious that she hangs around with cheapest bunch of SOBs that have ever walked the face of this earth. And to Ramon’s close friends, I would walk around the city and announce that you are a Ramon Honda’s close friend–SEE HOW FAR THAT GETS YOU NOW. And to all you close friends could you please post away for us to contact Ramon in India, because we all have few things we would like to say to him. The first being “Where the hell is our money?”
December 21st, 2007 at 11:03 am
Reading this story with interest because I just bought my wedding rings at AO in Burlington, aned per a voice mail I received on Tuesday, “they [were] in and I could pick them up.”
Is there any information available ANYWHERE about what us customers should do besides sit tight? Corporate Office voice mail and Burlington voice mail is all filled up.
December 21st, 2007 at 11:13 am
“Current Customer”, if you were fortunate enough to pay with credit card, I would recomment initiating a claim with your cc company. They may tell you to hold off until the dust settles, but at least I have the process started on the books. Good luck to you.
December 21st, 2007 at 11:21 am
I’ve met someone really special; someone I’d like to spend the rest of my life with. But I have a couple of secrets that I haven’t been able to tell this person even though we’ve known each other for two years.
The problems are these: My sister works as a prostitute. We haven’t been able to change her behavior, not matter how hard we try. Everyone we could call on has tried to intercede, but she hovers at the deepest depths of society.
My brother is incarcerated in federal prison for repeated drug offenses; again no one among family, friends or clergy has been able to change him. He steers a course through life that is all his own and surely it will be a short one.
But my question is this. Before my future fiancée and I become engaged, shouldn’t I tell her that I bought a watch at Alpha Omega?
December 21st, 2007 at 11:39 am
This is in responce to customer post #2 for the 21st of december If you think that buying jewelery from the internet is great then fine do it but you are missing a personal aspect of it. Do you buy a car without test driving it? Why would you trust a website that might send you fake stones? Thats my opinion. I have been in AO stores before and I can tell you from my personal experiance it was not the best of times. I wasnt greeted by anyone and had actually gotten dirty looks. So I went and bought a tag at lux bond and green which in repsonce to customer is not a hack store, neither is jared’s or long’s but jewelery exchange I cant say great things about either. You need to do your reaserch first before you go making assumptions. I have friends in some of those stores and let me tell you the prices are fair across the board you jsut dont know anything about jewelery, but hey I guess you ahd fun picking your mail order bride from the internet too.
December 21st, 2007 at 11:57 am
To Just Sinking In,
Freddo is not serious, it’s scacastic humor and is quite funny.
December 21st, 2007 at 12:09 pm
what’s up with NATICK employees at A/O?
December 21st, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Dont you think the coverage of this is alittle over the top for a magazine read in doctors offices? you arent even the herald yet you pretend like you are Brian Williams cracking the case. he maybe a terrible guy and horrible employer but he paid Your salaries for a very long time with pages of ads in a ROW in your mag. he was YOUR BEST of boston every year, including this one. and you sell him out like this? how could any of your advertisers have faith in a magazine that would sell out information to the globe about their advertiser and vendor practices? Let the reporting be done by REAL PROFESSIONALS like a Newspaper, and please let me know when your next issue of where it is “hip” to get a coffee in the South end is released thank you.
December 21st, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Jo Jo - if you’d open your eyes, you’d see that the Globe is doing investigative work on this case as well. http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2007/12/21/ long_trail_of_debt_at_shuttered_alpha_omega/
December 21st, 2007 at 12:53 pm
you are correct they are, AFTER boston Magazine dropped the bomb! and the advertising director at the globe had No comment on advertisers relations. but the pres of boston magazine openly discussed the debt Alpha had. actually he could not WAIT to be quoted in a true Newspaper.
December 21st, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Please help me-I took a treasured watch (not especially expensive) there and left it to be fixed three weeks ago. Could one of the former employees please tell me who I can contact (do you know the name/number of the man at the repair service in the basement?) I could contact to get my watch back?
Thanks!
December 21st, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Oh, Fredo, you kill me.
December 21st, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Erik- The names of the repair guys in Harvard Sq. are Tom and Hubert. Either will help you the best they can. If they sent your watch to the manufacturer (usually you have to), I would recommend calling the watch company’s customer service/repair service. Perhaps you could work directly with them, depending on how they are handling AO repairs.
December 21st, 2007 at 2:25 pm
I can see people mostly writing nasty comments about them. I don’t know how well they knew them, but the fact is when people become successful they always make enemies along their way to success and that is the kind of hostility I feel people have towards the Handas. I have known them personally for many years and I think that they are a truly altruistic couple. I feel that they should at least be given the benefit of the doubt. Who knows what actually happened, the truth is that people’s money is not more important than their lives. No one knows what condition they are in right now or where they are?
I think it is not easy to accomplish so much in one life time and Raman Handa has certainly done a lot a lot. For people who are posting comments about their kids, their physical attributes, or their sexual preference, I think that it is absolutely infantile and I honestly feel that these people can never be happy for anyone and they are just waiting for others to fail in their endeavors.
Everyone has mentioned a lot about Karma, and the truth is that if they have been insincere they are going to pay for it or chances are that they already are but you don’t know yet. Let there be some light shed on this whole debacle and then if people want they have make their own judgments although I can clearly see that lack of evidence hasn’t stop them from doing it.
Handa family have my best wishes and I hope they have an explanation for all of this and I hope for the people who have been hurt by this get to know that real thing
December 21st, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Former Employee-
Thank you so much!
Erik
December 21st, 2007 at 2:49 pm
I went in the Harvard Square store over the summer and noticed I got pick pocketed, I bet it was Amit.
December 21st, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Hey watch guy 101,
You’re the one who has to do the research. Blue Nile is publicly traded on NASDAQ and very successful. Can’t say the same for AO, Long’s, etc… They don’t sell fakes at Whiteflash or Bluenile, it’s not like walking into Chinatown and buying jewelry off the street you moron. You can buy graded and certified diamonds for half the cost of AO. As far a “personal connection” you are obviously clueless. The site have reps that actually phone call you and show you pics of the diamonds from a selection of thousands. When you find one you like they mail it to you free of charge in order to let you independently get it appraised. Can’t say the same for AO. At AO you can look at a grand total of 2-3 pieces at a time and that’s only after you beg them to go into the “back vault” and look for more pieces. Reputable vendors stay in touch and actually return calls unlike the pretentious employees of AO. Just look at the number of employees who have bitched about customers on this comment board.
You have friends who work there?!!! Big e-ffing deal, if they’re as big of idiots as you are, it’s no wonder these companies are tanking. You reap what you sow, so deal with it.
December 21st, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Shame, one of the few places with a top notch collection. I can imagine worse places to work. Grass is always greener on the other side. Especially when your a lazy watch store employee incapable of getting a job that pays more than $8 an hour.
Besides, the guy has a place to flee to!! Id love to have a place like India to flee to…he’ll be living quite well im certain.
December 21st, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Erik, Hang tight. One way or another you will get your watch back.
Jo Jo, Amen to your reply Dec. 21, 12:35. Boston Magazine has been very unprofessional in their comments, but the title Best of Boston is something that is purchased anyway, so what do we expect from that level of a publication?
December 21st, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Boston magazine has clearly been owed money for a long time - the last Alpha Omega ads ran in the magazine in July of 2007. And yet Alpha still won a Best of Boston in August 2007 - why? Not because they were an advertiser. They probably won because they truly had the best watch selection in New England - an award they have consistently won from other publications that do best lists.
Boston mag did not reveal anything about the debt that had long sat on its books until it was determined that Raman Handa had left the country and was not intent on returning.
And even when the evidence of duplicity was clear, the magazine still did not reveal the amount of the debt.
So I must ask some of these commenters how it can possibly be Boston mag’s fault that they were the ones who reported this criminality first? What were they supposed to do, give it to the Globe? Contrary to earlier assertions this is certainly not the first time I have read a breaking news story on their website.
I have it on good authority that the Handa’s were constantly disappointed in the magazine as a partner because of - get this - it’s lack of editorial coverage of A/O as well as for not giving them Best of Boston awards in other categories.
If there is a “bad guy” in all of this it is certainly not Boston magazine, it is the man who snuck out of town without the honor and decency to tell family, friends, employees, and customers and who surely did so with a pile of ill-gotten gains.
The stores are now not open at all. I hope it is now clear to the sycophantic defenders of this criminal that this was the willful pre-meditated act of an unscrupoulous sociopath who was unwilling to face the consequences of his actions like a man.
He is clearly a sick man, but it is not the kind of sick that requires medical treatment in India. He actions are those of a very very bad man.
Mr. Handa has left behind a trail of broken hearts, newly unemployed people, lost family heirlooms, cheated customers and business partners, all this while owing millions of dollars that he never ever intended to pay back.
The evidence is in folks. He did this coldly without looking back; rest assured he is not coming back unless it is in a set of handcuffs.
Whatever good he has done has been nuillified. How can anyone possibly defend this man or try to deflect the blame anywhere but where it belongs - squarely on the shoulders of Mr. Raman Handa.
December 21st, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Boston magazine has clearly been owed money for a long time - the last Alpha Omega ads ran in the magazine in July of 2007. And yet Alpha still won a Best of Boston in August 2007 - why? Not because they were an advertiser. They probably won because they truly had the best watch selection in New England - an award they have consistently won from other publications that do best lists.
Boston mag did not reveal anything about the debt that had long sat on its books until it was determined that Raman Handa had left the country and was not intent on returning.
And even when the evidence of duplicity was clear, the magazine still did not reveal the amount of the debt.
So I must ask some of these commenters how it can possibly be Boston mag’s fault that they were the ones who reported this criminality first? What were they supposed to do, give it to the Globe? Contrary to earlier assertions this is certainly not the first time I have read a breaking news story on their website.
I have it on good authority that the Handa’s were constantly disappointed in the magazine as a partner because of - get this - it’s lack of editorial coverage of A/O as well as for not giving them Best of Boston awards in other categories.
If there is a “bad guy” in all of this it is certainly not Boston magazine, it is the man who snuck out of town without the honor and decency to tell family, friends, employees, and customers and who surely did so with a pile of ill-gotten gains.
The stores are now not open at all. I hope it is now clear to the sycophantic defenders of this criminal that this was the willful pre-meditated act of an unscrupoulous sociopath who was unwilling to face the consequences of his actions like a man.
He is clearly a sick person, but it is not the kind of sick that requires medical treatment in India. His actions are those of a very very bad man.
Mr. Handa has left behind a trail of broken hearts, newly unemployed people, lost family heirlooms, cheated customers and business partners, all this while owing millions of dollars that he never ever intended to pay back.
The evidence is in folks. He did this coldly without looking back; rest assured he is not coming back unless it is in a set of handcuffs.
Whatever good he has done has been nuillified. How can anyone possibly defend this man or try to deflect the blame anywhere but where it belongs - squarely on the shoulders of Mr. Raman Handa.
December 21st, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Customer,
You are obviously one of the customers that has been or should be bitched about. Are you a “close friend” of Emily or Raman? Please, please, please continue to stay at home and do all of your shopping on-line. Stay out of any retail establishment. The tone of your message immediately indentifies you as a complete and total “POMPOUS ASS” who would suck the life out of anyone attempting to assist you in any way or sell you something. You have the nerve to call watch guy an idiot and a moron. You should join the Handa family in India to help them set up an on-line business. You must seek immediate counciling at a treatment center. Better yet, maybe you can find one that offers treatment online. Again I stress “DO NOT ENTER ANY RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT ONLY TO CAUSE NOTHING BUT PAIN AND SUFFERING TO ALL THOES EMPLOYED THERE.”
December 21st, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Well after reading Globe today and yesterday, it looks like Handas did not close the business. It is Bank of America which took over the stores under agreement according to Handa’s attorney. Customers should call the law firm and talk to Handa’s attorney. I wish BOA waited till after the xmas, so that employees got their paychecks and customer picked up their gifts. As far as Boston Magzine everybody knows it is useless. Any business can buy Best of Boston.
December 21st, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Peter,
WOW What an argument? Ads ran till July 2007 and in August they gave the award. I think you believe Boston Magazine decided on August 1 regarding the awards. Do you work of BOSTON MAGAZINE. What a lame explanation? What do you mean BOSTON MAGAZINE did not give editorial coverage. It is only few months back they did a story on Amit. Give me a break. You read earlier posts, people from BOSTON MAGAZINE went on vacations with Handa. Handa owned BOSTON MAGAZINE in his pocket. This is just a revenge story. So do not defend this magazine and how honest they are in giving the awards. These awards have ZERO value now. Consumers already understand the value of these awards.
December 21st, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Remember an old Indian proverb:
“A man who has one watch knows the time. A man who has two does not.”
December 21st, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Formar, Where do YOU work? Boston Globe, Improper Bostonian? Stuff@Night?
I think consumers now understand the value of your comments.
Anyone with a little ability to think would know that the July ads would have had to have been booked long before July - therefore there would have been plenty of time to change any best of boston awards issued in August if revenge wa on anyone’s mind. As a reader, I’m grateful that Boston Mag did not change the award - shows that they put me first, not paying advertisers - they even covered A/O again - I think it was the November issue where they featured some ridiculously priced jeweled watch($140,000 or so)that was being sold at Alpha.
I have been a long-time subscriber and have never been steered wrong by Boston Magazine’s best of selections - I know I’m not alone.
As for the Amit story - I’m sure they did one (and reading some of these comments it looks like they should have done some others)but all I know was that I was told by people close to the Handas that the family was constantly pissed at them for not doing more.
Do you think the other media outlets in town who are covering this story are owed money by A/O? I bet all of them are, and the Globe is probably owed more than anyone else. Are those all revenge stories too? All Boston Mag is g