If any readers are thinking of buying gift vouchers as Christmas presents – beware.

Last year I bought gift vouchers for a member of my family from Zavvi (formerly Virgin Megastores) in Churchill Square, Brighton, at the end of November. Big high street and online retailer – no problem, or so I thought. Zavvi then declared administration on Christmas Eve.

It even continued to trade into the new year (under administration) but would not allow those Christmas gift vouchers – purchased in good faith a week or two earlier – to be used. Many disappointed kids, no doubt.

I then had to get the vouchers back from my family and give them cash instead – so it cost me double. I am now a so-called “secured creditor” but still have yet to get a penny back from Zavvi or its administrators, Ernst and Young.

It’s been nearly 11 months since I sent the vouchers in by recorded delivery – exactly as required by Ernst and Young. I have also chased them many, many times by email, phone etc.

The last time I heard, they said I had a valid secure claim and I would get a refund in October. I am still waiting.

Meanwhile, the Zavvi name lives on – no doubt someone has bought the Zavvi “brand and goodwill”.

It is even the same trademark green website at zavvi.com.

Mike Keay
Falmer Road, Brighton