HMV might start accepting gift vouchers again

HIGH STREET music, film and video game store HMV might start accepting its shoppers' gift cards again.

The firm pulled down a curtain on its gift card acceptance just after it announced that it had appointed administrators to shepherd the future of its 250 stores and 4,500 staff.

While some places were suggesting that HMV was accepting gift cards in some circumstances, the firm told us that definitely was not the case.

"Unfortunately the company has had to stop selling and accepting gift vouchers. The same policy applies to exchanges and returns," said a spokesperson.

"Voucher holders have a claim as unsecured creditors in insolvency. To accept vouchers would be to prefer one group of unsecured creditors over another."

According to money and finance expert Martin Lewis, however, HMV will begin accepting vouchers from tomorrow. He confirmed the news in a message on Twitter, saying that other consumers, such as those that might want refunds, should wait for more news.

"To confirm, #HMV will be accepting vouchers from tomorrow," he said. "We're working through small print now, plus refunds & pure points. More later."

We've contacted HMV and will update this story when it responds. µ