WIMMERA voucher and lay-by holders are set to lose hundreds after Dick Smith went into voluntary administration this week.
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The electronics retailer announced the move on Monday.
The business has blamed low sales and poor cash generation in December for the move.
McGrathNicol has been appointed as voluntary administrator.
Horsham’s Tammy McDonald said her daughter, 17, might lose one of her biggest Christmas gifts because of Dick Smith’s situation.
She received a $90 voucher last month.
Mrs McDonald said when she heard the business was going into administration, she called the Horsham store about the voucher.
“The store here said they couldn’t put the voucher through the system on Tuesday,” she said.
“They told me if we wait 48 hours they might be able to honour it.
“It’s only $90 but it was one of her main Christmas gifts.”
Receiver James Stewart said because of the group’s financial circumstances, outstanding gift vouchers could not be honoured and deposits could not be refunded.
Mrs McDonald said the announcement was also a big blow for the Wimmera.
“It comes down again to loss of jobs with another business gone in the region,” she said.
“When a business closes, there comes loss of income for people, loss of variety in the town, another vacant shop.
“It’s all detrimental to the economy.”
Mr Stewart said it would be business as usual while the receivers looked at the restructuring and realisation opportunities for the group.
“Dick Smith is one of the best-known brands associated with consumer electronics in Australia and New Zealand,” he said.
“We are immediately calling for expressions of interest for a sale of the business as a going concern.”
Mr Stewart said employees would continue to be paid by the receivers.
Have you been affected by Dick Smith’s voluntary administration? Email stephanie.azzopardi@fairfaxmedia.com.au to tell your story.
