I have a Closed Store Gift Card. What did I do?
From Joann Fabrics to Forever 21, more than 8,100 stores will close across the US by 2025, according to retail industry analyst Coresight Research.
What if you still have an unused gift card from any of these businesses?
Warehouse chain Costco recently issued a recall for Synergy restaurant gift cards sold between Oct. 27, 2025, and Jan. 26, 2026. According to FOX Business, the recall is due to Synergy World, a gift and loyalty card company, which closed suddenly last month after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. Therefore, the gift cards can no longer be used.
What happens if you have a gift card and the business closes?
If a business closes, the Consumer Federation of America provides steps on its website for how to get your money back:
Contact the business: “Try contacting the city or town hall where the business was located or your secretary of state’s office to get the business owner’s contact information to request a refund.”
Ask your credit or debit card provider to reverse the charge: “Each credit or debit card company has its own policy, but some may be able to reverse the charge if you (or a friend or relative) purchased a gift card with a credit or debit card. Contact your card provider as soon as possible to request that the charge be reversed.”
Contact your state or local consumer protection agency: “If you can’t reach anyone from the business to get a refund, contact the state agency that provides consumer protection services in your state. This will alert the agency to the problem (you’re probably not alone) and they may be able to get your money back.”
File a proof of claim: “If a business has filed for bankruptcy, you can file a proof of claim in US Bankruptcy Court and be added to the creditor’s list. Remember that filing a proof of claim does not guarantee that you will get a refund. Sometimes, businesses are bought during bankruptcy, and the cards are more likely to be charged off.”
They note that if all else fails, you may want to consider taking legal action to get your money back.
What if the store isn’t closed yet? Can I use my gift card?
It is possible. According to Debt.org, it depends on the store and the reason for the closure.
“When companies file for bankruptcy, they can only continue to accept gift cards if they ask the bankruptcy court for permission and the court approves,” the website says. “Therefore, companies that declare bankruptcy may be less likely to honor gift cards than companies that go out of business for other reasons.”
Check with the store beforehand to see if your gift card can still be used.
Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all the best Florida content straight to your inbox every weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at
This article appeared in the Naples Daily News: I have a gift card for a closed store. What did I do?
Reported by Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
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