The Bee & Co. outlet at Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park has been closed after allegations that employees used high‑pressure tactics to coerce vulnerable shoppers into buying expensive skincare items. Two men with intellectual disabilities say they were taken to a back room, pressured to purchase products, and together spent more than $60,000. The LAPD is investigating, Rep. Brad Sherman plans to raise the matter with the state attorney general, and Bee & Co.'s parent, Mazal Group, is tied to other mall brands. Attorneys for both sides have exchanged letters as inquiries continue.
Bee & Co. Shop at Westfield Topanga Closes Amid Allegations of High‑Pressure Sales
The CBS California Investigates team visited the Bee & Co. skincare store at the Westfield Topanga Mall and found the storefront abandoned. / Credit: CBS LA
The Bee & Co. skincare storefront at Westfield Topanga mall in Canoga Park has been closed and covered after customers accused employees of using high‑pressure tactics that led some shoppers to spend tens of thousands of dollars on products and devices. A lockbox was placed on the door on Sept. 24, and only a faint outline of the store's sign remains visible.
The closure follows months of reporting by CBS California Investigates documenting allegations that Bee & Co. employees approached mall shoppers, offered samples and compliments, and urged vulnerable individuals into the store to receive treatments and make purchases.
Allegations From Customers
Two men, Victor Chisholm and Gabe Cota — both of whom have intellectual disabilities — told investigators they were approached in the mall by a woman who offered samples and invited them into the store. They say an employee then took them to a back room for a skin treatment and pressured them to buy creams and devices. Together, their recorded purchases exceeded $60,000.
'At one point, the salesperson said that she won't take no for an answer,' Cota said. Chisholm said he did not realize how much he would be charged and that he was not permitted to leave until he agreed to purchase the products.
Payments, Tips, And Receipts
Chisholm also said he was pressured to send more than $10,000 in tips through Cash App and Zelle in addition to product payments. Bee & Co.'s attorney later described those tip payments as the actions of a 'rogue employee' who was unauthorized to accept independent transactions and is no longer employed by the company. However, Chisholm's receipts indicate some payments were sent to the store manager.
Company Links And Official Responses
Bee & Co.'s parent company, Mazal Group, is based in Chatsworth and is linked to several mall businesses operating under different names, including Introstem, Rachel's Best Soaps and The Soap Tree, according to reporting.
The allegations have drawn political and law-enforcement attention. Rep. Brad Sherman, whose 32nd Congressional District includes Westfield Topanga, called the reported conduct unacceptable and said he planned to raise the matter with California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating aspects of Chisholm's interactions with store employees.
Disputes And Legal Action
Bee & Co.'s lawyer, Neville Johnson, sent a letter calling the CBS California Investigates coverage 'a one-sided and misleading account' and said the reporting omitted context about other purchases. The letter also alleged Chisholm had sexually harassed employees; Chisholm's attorney, Fred Voigtmann, labeled that claim 'baseless' and said it appears intended to deflect from what he called 'despicable and likely criminal behavior.'
Voigtmann said numerous people have contacted him with similar accounts and that legal efforts will continue despite the store's apparent closure.
What Happens Next
It remains unclear whether Westfield management removed Bee & Co. from the mall or whether the company closed the location voluntarily; Westfield said it is 'actively addressing this matter.' Investigations and possible legal proceedings are ongoing, and authorities have not released final determinations.
Note: This article reports allegations and ongoing investigations. The accused company disputes the characterization of events, and the legal process is continuing.
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