Need Advice About Non Compete Contract

[Brenda Lee]

What is the name of your state? MICHIGAN
I recently quit a part time non management job at a consignment store selling children's clothing. When I started there I was required to sign a "non compete" contract. They told me it was to protect them from me opening or working in another consignment store for 3 years after I would quit within a 35 mile radius of the store. I have not been given a copy of this contract. After quitting, I obtained a part time sales job in a large, new retail chain, children's clothing store. Apparently this seems like direct competion to the owners of the used clothing consignment store, and I have been informed that they are taking legal action against me. Although I do not have a copy of the non compete, I have been told, by the consignment store, that it also says "retail" thus preventing me from working nearly anywhere in my hometown for the next 3 years. I live in Michigan and have heard from others that it is a right to work state, and most non compete contracts are invalid. Seeing as though the stores vary because one deals with consignment childrens clothing and the other is new retail children's clothing, do they have the right to sue me for damages and prevent me from working?What is the name of your state?

 

[JETX]

I live in Michigan and have heard from others that it is a right to work state

'Right to work' has NOTHING to do with non-competes. It means you cannot be forced into joining a union.

and most non compete contracts are invalid.

Depends ENTIRELY on the terms of the non-compete. However, based on your post, I doubt that agreement would be enforceable as 'no retail' is too overly protective.
For more on this in Michigan, go to: http://www.detroitchamber.com/detroiter/articles.asp?cid=103&detcid=365

do they have the right to sue me for damages and prevent me from working?

Yes, they have the RIGHT to sue you for anything they want. It would be up to the courts to determine if their suit has merit or not.