Don’t get caught by High Street meltdown
THIS WEEK has seen some major casualties on the High Street, including Debenhams, the Arcadia Group and, only yesterday, Bonmarché, either calling in administrators or going into liquidation. If you have recently purchased goods from brands affected, or are contemplating doing so, it’s important you know your rights and follow my top tips:
WHO HAS GONE BUST?
Arcadia Group, which owns Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Outfit, Topman, Topshop and Wallis, fell into administration earlier this week. This was swiftly followed by Debenhams ( already in administration) announcing its attempt to find a buyer had failed and that it was permanently closing all UK operations.
Yesterday, women’s fashion retailer
Bonmarché went into administration. It’s harder to think of a tougher time on the
British High Street.
CAN I USE A GIFT CARD/ VOUCHER?
There has been no formal announcement at the three groups on this. However, it is normal practice to refuse to accept them shortly after an administration – so it’s safe to assume this will happen. My advice if you have a gift card or voucher is: use it quickly.
WHAT IF MY ORDER DOESN’T ARRIVE?
In the first instance complain to the retailer. Your complaint will be managed by the administrators. In the early days of an administration, you tend to find that orders are honoured.
However, the position begins to change as stock runs out and getting money out of an administrator ( ie a refund) can be like getting blood out of a stone. If you paid by debit/ credit card, my advice is to make a chargeback/ section 75 claim.
WHAT IF I NEED TO RETURN GOODS?
Again, in the early days, administrators are usually open to returns where goods are faulty. If you hit a brick wall, you could still make a chargeback/ section 75 claim if you paid by debit/ credit card.
IS IT SAFE TO CONTINUE TO BUY ONLINE?
It’s safer to walk into the shop and take the goods away than buy online. Always use your debit or credit card for the purchase, so you have some recourse if something goes wrong. If the purchase price is less than £ 100, use your debit card, as section 75 only works where the price is greater than £ 100.