Fashion retail group Arcadia entered administration on Monday leaving thousands of jobs across the UK in doubt.
The group owns high street brands such as Topshop, Topman, Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Outfit and Wallis.
This announcement may have left many of their customers with gift vouchers wondering what their rights are now.
Carmel McConville, Interim Chief Executive at The Consumer Council said: “All the retailers under the Arcadia Group are currently still accepting gift vouchers online as all the stores in Northern Ireland are closed due to the current coronavirus restrictions. You should spend your gift voucher as soon as possible because if a new company buys over the business, it will be at their discretion whether to honour gift vouchers.
“If the retailers decide to no longer accept gift vouchers, check if the person who bought it used a debit or credit card. If so, they may be able to secure a full refund from their card issuer.”
Carmel added, “Over this last year the high street has seen many household name retailers going into administration. The Consumer Council would encourage consumers who have gift vouchers for any store to use them as soon as possible and to always check the expiry date.”
For more information and advice visit our website www.consumercouncil.org.uk and download our ‘Company Going Out of Business’ factsheet and ‘Safer Ways to Pay’ guide. Alternatively call our Consumer Protection Team for advice on 0800 121 6022.
