Holidays: Forget gift cards; give cash or hugs
By Mary Cornatzer | Raleigh News & Observer
Circuit City tried to reassure shoppers and employees alike on Monday that it would be business as usual despite its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
The electronics retailer has asked a bankruptcy court to let it honor gift cards, returns, exchanges, warranties and the like. It also pointed out that its Circuit City-branded credit cards, which are offered through Chase, would still be honored. And its extended warranties, also offered through a third party, would be in effect based on the terms of their contracts.
Bankruptcy courts usually allow stores to honor all their customer service programs, so it seems as if shoppers have nothing at all to worry about.
Or maybe they do. Tony Giorgianni, an associate editor at Consumer Reports, says be cautious.
"They're trying to restructure and we certainly don't want to see anyone go out of business but ... take into account the fact that this is a retailer in serious financial trouble. That affects gift cards, warranties, return policies, refunds, exchanges."
He points out that Linens 'N Things first filed for Chapter 11 and is now in Chapter 7. Linens 'N Things has obtained court approval to honor gift cards but is liquidating its merchandise and closing its stores.
"What are you getting?" Giorgianni asks. "Broken lamps, hangers off the shelves?"
So if you have a Circuit City gift card, should you rush in today?
Read the complete story at newsobserver.com
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