Gift cards are great presents, but only if the store stays around long enough for them to be used.
Fortunately most stores drop hints before they are in serious financial trouble--usually by filing for bankruptcy.
So if gift cards are on your holiday wishlists there are a few places you might want to use them quickly, just in case.
Toy R Us filed bankruptcy in September 2017. For now, all of its locations--including 9 in Arizona--are expected to stay open and accept gift cards during the process.
Vitamin World has 3 Valley locations but recently announced that it expects to close more than 100 stores across the country. The company filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year but tells me it is still selling and accepting gift cards.
Bankruptcy doesn't mean the end: Aeropostale, Payless ShoeSource, Gymboree and True Religion all survived after closing hundreds of stores.
Clothing store Bebe transitioned exclusively online.
The truth is that any store can close and anytime. So if you are giving or receiving a gift card don't wait to use it or just request a product instead.
Cash gift cards come with risks too. So before you buy make sure that they haven't been tampered with and that you check online for their policy on monthly and transaction fees.
