If you have a giftcard or voucher from either Toys R Us or Maplin spend/redeem it NOW, here’s why:
- Administration
Both Toys R Us and Maplin have now officially gone into administration. This means that the directors of the two companies have handed control over to insolvency practitioners who will temporarily run the businesses, and then decide on their 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 company is protected from litigation and so cannot be sued by suppliers, or indeed customers.
- Giftcards/vouchers
During administration, the insolvency practitioners can legally decide not to accept giftcards 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 that this will happen.
- Refunds
It has already been announced that Toys R Us will not be able to provide any refunds but they are still able to exchange goods. Maplin will almost certainly follow suit.
- If you are waiting for goods
If you ordered goods from Toys R Us or Maplin, and these have not arrived, don’t panic yet as both companies are saying these goods will be delivered. However, do chase them up right up until you receive delivery.
- New purchases
If you are 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 you still really want to buy goods from Toys R Us or Maplin, 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. Under this law, your card provider will refund the monies you spent on the goods, if you qualify for the protection.
