UK shoppers may have lost nearly £100 million in unused vouchers during the coronavirus lockdown, according to consumer group Which? A survey of 2,000 adults suggested a quarter of people possessed a voucher that expired during lockdown.
Many retailers contacted customers and offered extensions, but a third of those with an expiring voucher did not receive an extension and lost the money. Which? urged people who were unable to use their vouchers to contact the shop.
The consumer group also warned of the risks of buying new vouchers because some well-known retailers have recently collapsed, and further coronavirus restrictions could make it difficult to spend them. Non-essential shops closed in March for several months as part of lockdown restrictions.
In its survey carried out in August, Which? found that nearly half of people with an expiring voucher had it automatically extended. One in seven had to request an extension, but 36% did not receive an extension. The unspent vouchers were worth £31.70 on average, meaning around £98 million was likely lost across the UK.
Which? consumer rights expert Adam French advised anyone with a voucher that expired during lockdown to contact the company. He also cautioned those considering buying a voucher to be aware of the risks, as some retailers have collapsed and further restrictions could hinder spending.
