Blue Tulip Stores Closing, Gift Cards Will Be Worthless

HARTFORD – Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is warning Blue Tulip store customers that five Connecticut locations will close by the end of the month, rendering worthless any merchandise credit, gift cards, and deposits.

Mr Blumenthal urged consumers to immediately resolve any outstanding deposits and orders on customized goods and to redeem gift cards and other store credit.

“Nearly $400,000 worth of gift cards will soon be worthless plastic, and deposits are in danger of vanishing if consumers fail to act now,” the attorney general warned.

The Tulip Corporation, a retailer of gifts and entertainment products, including personalized items, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy this week and will close all of its 24 stores — including five in Connecticut — by January 31.The bankrupt Blue Tulip has only agreed to honor gift cards, deposits, and promotional gift cards through close of business on that day.

The company also holds approximately $4,000 in deposits for customized goods. Consumers have only until the end of the month to pay the outstanding balance and claim their items.

The Tulip Corporation operates under the label of Blue Tulip, and has stores in Canton, Milford, Fairfield, Darien, and Wilton. Mr Blumenthal said the company has indicated that consumers whose goods have not been customized will receive a full refund of the deposit.