HMV stops accepting gift vouchers as administrators are called in

Hundreds of shoppers were today told that their HMV gift vouchers were worthless after the chain collapsed into administration.

Shoppers who rushed to stores this morning to spend the cards after hearing about the retailer’s demise were told they had left it too late.

“I went in this morning to get rid of my Christmas gift cards,” said Natalie Brown, 27, a shop worker from Manor House. “I got £30 this year and wanted to get the Sex and the City box set but was told I can’t. I’m gutted. I feel bad for the staff but the public are losing out, too.”

Sandra Doyle, 43, a housewife from Shepherd’s Bush, said: “I came with my son’s and husband’s cards. They were really worried and it seems with good reason. I have been told that I can’t use any of them. It is shocking.”

But Kerry Glazer, 51, from north-west London, who runs a consultancy business, said: “With any other brand, I would be annoyed, but I love HMV and I think it is really sad that this is happening. The staff have lost their jobs, we are losing a great store, I am not going to get annoyed over 30 quid. I do use Amazon, but that is when I know way I want. You go to HMV to browse. It is sad that we’re losing that.”

HMV suspended trading in its shares last night, but said that its administrators would keep the company’s 236 store open while they sought a buyer for the business.

However, the prospects for many of its 4,350 staff look bleak. One member of staff at the Islington branch said: “I am devastated. No one really knows what is going on. HMV hasn’t been having the easiest time but it does feel like they should have done more. Tried harder for their staff.”

Retail experts believe that at least half the branches may close leaving more vacant shops on Britain’s high streets following the recent collapses of photographic chain Jessops and electrical group Comet.