Advice for Perth Toys R Us customers with gift cards

PERTH customers with Toys R Us gift cards will have to spend the equivalent amount again if they want to redeem their gift cards.

The 44 Toys R Us stores across Australia were placed into voluntary administration this week, but continue to trade.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said customers most affected would be those who held unredeemed gift cards or those who had paid a deposit but not yet received their goods.

“The administrators McGrathNicol advise that gift cards will only be honoured in store, not online, and customers will have to spend an additional equivalent amount of money before the card can be redeemed,” he said.

“For example, those who have a $100 gift card will need to spend $200 or more in store and pay the balance before they can redeem the full value of the card.

“Customers who do not wish to spend the extra amount required to redeem the gift card should register as an unsecured creditor with the administrator.”

Any customers who have paid part or full deposits on goods that had not yet been received should contact the stores directly,

“The administrator has indicated that the stores will continue to trade,” Mr Hillyard said.

“They have advised that online orders will be delivered where goods have been paid for in full and the stock is available and that lay-by will be honoured if the outstanding balance is paid and the stock is available.

“Should the goods not be provided, consumers who paid by credit card should contact their bank and seek a charge-back.

“As the retailer is continuing to trade under the control of the administrator, consumers who purchase products after the appointment on 21 May 2018 have the rights of a refund, repair or replacement under the Australian Consumer Law if the goods are faulty or don’t perform as expected.

“While the administrator states that refunds will not be provided on goods purchased prior to the date of administration, it is important for consumers to note that, if they have purchased a faulty item, they can also contact the manufacturer to seek a remedy.”

Customers can contact the store on 1300 869 778 or support@toysrus.com.au.

The administrator, McGrathNicol, can be contacted at toysrus@mcgrathnicol.com and details of a meeting of creditors will be published on their website.

Consumers requiring further assistance and advice can contact Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54 or consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au.