Galeria no longer accepts vouchers in many places - customers are threatened with losses

Gift vouchers were still being sold until Galeria's renewed bankruptcy was announced. Now they are no longer accepted in many branches. This is what “Bild” reports. Consumer advocates still advise those affected to keep the vouchers.

Since October 2nd, Galeria has been in insolvency proceedings for the fourth time in six years. Operations in the 83 branches continue, but vouchers are no longer accepted in many stores. According to the report, relevant notices are said to have been posted in stores. There is currently no option to redeem vouchers in the online shop either.

The consumer advice center recommends that those affected first try to redeem their voucher in a Galeria branch. If this is rejected, customers can contact the provisional insolvency administrator, lawyer Frank Kebekus.

"If you have a voucher from an insolvent retailer, you can only register your claims from the voucher in the insolvency table. If there is still money available, you will be paid out a corresponding quota. However, such claims are usually in vain because of the small insolvency assets," the consumer advice center explains to "Bild".

The Federal Employment Agency is paying insolvency money for Galeria's approximately 11,250 employees for October, November and December. Separate insolvency proceedings are ongoing for part of the company, including the catering and food division.

According to “Bild”, agreements have been reached with suppliers, financing partners and other parties that will enable operations to continue during the important Christmas business. However, no agreement was reached with some brands. Their goods have therefore been cordoned off in branches with tape and cannot currently be purchased. The products belong to the manufacturers, not Galeria. The companies fear that proceeds from a sale will flow into the bankruptcy estate and they will not receive the money.

After filing for bankruptcy in January 2024, a consortium consisting of the US investment company NRDC Equity Partners and the investment company BB Kapital SA took over Galeria. Among other things, the new owners deleted the names Kaufhof and Karstadt and moved the administrative headquarters from Essen to Düsseldorf.