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New Look Closes Irish Stores Amid Voucher Chaos and Redundancies
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Irish shoppers are expressing anger after fashion retailer New Look refused to honor gift vouchers during closing-down sales. This follows the company’s announcement last week that it would exit the Republic of Ireland, resulting in hundreds of redundancies.The Competition and Consumer Protection commission (CCPC) is seeking clarification regarding the handling of gift vouchers.
Closing Down Sales Spark Outrage
Last Sunday, hundreds of shoppers flocked to New Look stores for closing down sales, only to find themselves in chaotic scenes and facing unexpected voucher restrictions. Videos circulating on TikTok showed stores allegedly “destroyed” as customers scrambled for bargains.
The biggest frustration for many was the retailer’s decision not to honor gift vouchers, leading to accusations of “disgraceful
What recourse do consumers have if a retailer like New Look closes and leaves them with unusable gift vouchers?
Archyde News Exclusive: Interview with Dr. Aisling McCorry, Consumer Advocate
New Look’s Irish exit: A Conversation with Dr. Aisling McCorry
As New Look’s closure in Ireland leaves shoppers stranded with gift vouchers,Archyde brings you an exclusive interview with consumer advocate Dr. Aisling McCorry to discuss the implications and potential fallouts.
Q: dr.mccorry, with New Look’s departure, Irish shoppers are left with gift vouchers thay can’t use. What are their legal recourses?
Dr. McCorry: “Consumers shoudl know that gift vouchers become void once the store ceases trading. They could try approaching the company’s administrators or liquidators, but it’s unlikely they’ll be honorable these at this point. The best course of action is to document their cases and wait for the CCPC’s clarification.”
Q: The scenes in New Look’s closing sales were chaotic. could this have been avoided?
Dr. McCorry: “Better communication could have minimized the chaos. With proper announcements and clear rules on voucher usage, shoppers could have made informed decisions on whether to shop or not. The retailer’s responsibility extends beyond selling products.”
Q: This incident has reignited debates about customer protections during store closures. What changes would you like to see?
Dr. McCorry: “We need stronger protections, including clear guidelines on voucher treatment during liquidations. It’s also crucial for administrators to communicate effectively with the public, ensuring customers, staff, and suppliers are kept informed and treated fairly.”
What measures do you think could prevent future voucher chaos in Ireland’s retail landscape? Share your thoughts below.
