Gifts now keep on giving

Some of Auckland’s major retailers are dropping 12-month expiry dates on gift cards.

Countdown, Kathmandu and

Noel Leeming have dropped the expiry period following research carried out by Consumer NZ.

The research was part of Consumer NZ’s campaign ‘‘Drop the Dates’’. It found that shoppers could be losing $10 million a year on cards that had expired before they could be redeemed.

Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin said she welcomed the decision from the three stores.

‘‘It’s a great response from these stores and shows expiry dates can be ditched without causing problems. They’ve set an example that we want others to follow,’’ Chetwin said.

Shoe Clinic has extended the expiry date to five years on gift cards bought from its stores.

Two other retailers, New World and Toyworld, have extended the expiry dates on their gift cards from 12 to 24 months following Consumer NZ’s campaign.

Chetwin encouraged the stores to go further. ‘‘With Countdown agreeing to drop the dates on its cards, we’d expect to see New World and Pak’nSave do the same.’’

Chetwin said Consumer NZ has approached 10 major retailers to make changes to their gift card 12-month expiration dates. Three declined: Briscoes, Prezzy Card and Westfield Shopping Centres.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED Kathmandu, along with Countdown and Noel Leeming, has dropped 12-month expiry dates on gift cards.