Six-year-old Col’s birthday surprise was... an empty box
A BOY was left bitterly disappointed on his sixth birthday when he unwrapped his new computer game to find the box was empty.
Col Gibbs had been after Nintendo Switch Super Mario Party for the and dad Colin splashed £49.99 out to buy it from Sainsbury’s in Swadlincote.
However, when Col unwrapped the gift he was left super deflated by the fact there was nothing in the box.
Colin went back to the Civic Way supermarket to complain and says he was told computer games were not guaranteed because they were sealed before arrival and he would have to take the matter up with Nintendo.
The 51-year-old rang the Sainsbury’s head office and said he was told the same thing. However, he claims the Japanese game developer told him the issue was bet between Sainsbury’s and its supplier.
C Colin went back to the store with a lett letter from Citizens’ Advice, which he c claims said the supermarket was liab liable to rectify the issue as it had sold him the product.
T Two days later, he says, the store apo apologised, agreed to replace the gam game and added a Lego set as an add additional birthday gift. However, by tha that time, Col’s birthday – November 21 – had been and gone four days earlier. ea Now Colin wants to thank the sto store for its decision to replace the gam game, but wanted to warn people abo about what happened to him.
T The boss of his own automated par parts firm, Gloucester-based Ma Manufacturing Management
Services, Colin said: “Col loves his Mario games and had really wanted this one, but when he opened the box, he wasn’t happy.
“It did take the shine off his birthday and on the day it made me quite agitated. I was upset that my son was disappointed.
“I was really grateful that Sainsbury’s came to the decision they did, but I do want to make people aware I was told games bought from Sainsbury’s weren’t guaranteed.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “Mr Gibbs’ experience is very unusual and all our console games are delivered to us sealed by the manufacturer.
“We understand this will have been very disappointing for Mr Gibbs and his son. We have apologised and tried to put this right by replacing the game and arranging a Lego set as a belated birthday gift as a gesture of goodwill.”
Nintendo has also been approached for comment.