How to safely shop in the sales at Toys R Us and Maplin – your rights

If you have a gift card or voucher from Toys R Us or Maplin spend or redeem it NOW, here’s why

Toys R Us and Maplin are now in administration. This means the directors of the two companies have handed ­control to insolvency practitioners who will temporarily run the ­businesses and then decide on its future.Ultimately, this usually means either selling all or some of the store locations to other retailers or shutting up shop completely. During the process of ­administration, the firm is ­protected from litigation so it ­cannot be sued by suppliers or, indeed, customers.

Gift cards/vouchers

During administration, the ­insolvency practitioners can legally decide not to accept gift cards and vouchers. If this happens there is nothing consumers can do but to accept they have lost out. At present this decision has not been taken in relation to either Toys R Us or Maplin but it could any day soon and it is highly likely this will happen.   

Refunds                                                                       

It has already been announced that Toys R Us will not be able to ­provide any refunds but it is still able to exchange goods. Maplin will almost certainly ­follow suit.

New Purchases

If you’re thinking of making a new purchase from Toys R Us or Maplin be careful. If the goods turn out to be faulty you will most likely be stuck with them or, at best, ­receive an exchange.

Protect yourself

If really want to still buy goods from either and the purchase price is over £100 use your credit card. If something goes wrong, you will least be able to claim against your card provider. Under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act your card provider will refund the monies you spent on the goods if you qualify for the protection.

Dean Dunham – Sunday Mirror

For more information and tips about your consumer rights, please read our other articles in the consumer news section.