Spend double to use BHS gift cards and vouchers

Stores around the country, including in Hartlepool, are to close soon after administrators failed to find a buyer.

Although the stores are continuing to trade with big discounts to shift stock customers are being told that gift cards and vouchers cannot be used on their own to purchase goods.

Instead, shoppers have to spend twice the face value before being able to make use of them.

Notices outlining the policy are on display in local stores.

They state: “Gift cards and vouchers will not be sold and can only be accepted as payment for goods to a limit of 50% of those goods.

“For example: to redeem a £10 BHS gift card or voucher, the customer will be required to purchase items to the value of £20 or greater (payment would then be £10 BHS gift card or voucher and £10 cash/credit or debit card).”

It adds: “Customers please note, that store employees are not authorised to vary this policy.

“Please therefore respect their position and refrain from challenging them in relation to this matter.”

Administrators Duff and Phelps confirmed the policy but declined to comment further.

It applies to all BHS vouchers and gift cards bought within the last two years.

Refunds are now only being offered on faulty goods.

Up to 11,000 jobs are set to be lost after administrators announced last month it had failed to find a buyer for the 88-year-old retailer which has 164 stores nationwide.