Advice issued after major retailer to close Paisley store

We previously reported that Carpetright filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators putting more than 1800 staff at risk. 

Now, it has been bought in a rescue deal by rival Tapi, but with this move comes plans to shut more than 200 stores and cut more than 1,000 jobs.

The store in Glasgow's Great Western Retail Park is among those to be closed.

Carpetright stores in East Kilbride and Paisley will also shut their doors, while stores in Bishopbriggs and Dumbarton remain open.

Following the rescue deal, Scots have been advised to know their rights.

In a statement on the firm's website, the retailer said that customers who have outstanding orders should seek refunds through their card providers, even if their store remains open, Consumer Advice Scotland says.

READ MORE: Retailer with Glasgow store set to enter administration

Advice Direct Scotland - which runs the national advice service Consumer Advice Scotland - has issued guidance to make people aware of their rights as consumers.

This includes what they might need to do to secure a refund for an unfulfilled order as well as what to do if they are in the process of paying for a carpet in monthly instalments.

READ MORE: Glasgow store among 200 to close after firm collapsed into administration

According to the advice service, those who paid using a credit card can request a refund by making a 'Section 75 claim', provided the amount spent was £100.

Whereas, Those who paid using a debit card – or who used a credit card but spent less than £100 – can request a refund through a ‘chargeback claim’.

Meanwhile, customers who paid for their goods using a finance deal involving regular repayments should contact the company they used directly to arrange a refund.

Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “This week's worrying announcement will have left both Carpetright staff and customers with questions about what it means for them.

“Consumers who have paid for carpets or flooring that has yet to be delivered will be wondering what they can do to get their money back if their order cannot be fulfilled.

“The good news is that people who paid with a debit card can make a chargeback claim to their card provider. This can be done by calling them directly or through a banking app.

“Those who made a purchase on a credit card for over the value of £100 could make a claim to their card provider using Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

“Those who bought products using finance should contact the company providing the loan directly. In many cases, this will be Novuna.

“Customers who are still paying off finance they used to purchase goods from Carpetright that are already in their home should continue to make the payments as usual unless advised otherwise.

“Our advisers can also help inform Carpetright staff who might now be facing redundancy of their employment rights.

“It’s important to remember that help is available, and anyone who is worried can contact one of our specialist advisers for free, impartial and practical advice.”