Party City
Ripoff store credit no good - they now have my money, and I have nothing

Around the end of Feb I purchased 2 "Halloween' costumes from Party City for Storybook Character Day at my school (I teach 2nd grade), because I couldn't decide which character to dress as. At the time of purchase, I asked if I could return one unused costume when I decided - I was told yes, with no mention of "within 30 days".

I ended up at the store 35 (or so) days after the purchase. I was told I couldn't get my money back, but I explained I hadn't been told about the "within 30 days" and qite honestly, I didn't read the receipt which states that policy (I don't read my receipts in general). I understand the policy though (but thought maybe since it ceratinly wasn't Halloween time, that it could be relaxed a bit - I obviously didn't wear or have need for the costume) This was $40 costume!

I spoke to the manager to see if someone would help me out - she offered me a store credit. I was actually fine with that. I told her right then that I have 2 kids with birthdays in the Summer, so I could use it then - and that I also teach school and often need decorations during the school year.

Ok - today I went in to buy end-of-school-year party stuff plus all the stuff for my daughter's birthday party... $100 worth of merchandise. I took out my store credit, which I had faithfully kept in my purse... Just to find out that the manager had only given me store credit for 1 month! It expired on May 1, and today is May 31! I was not told when she offered me credit that it was only for 30 days - even with me telling her I had kids b-days in the summer - she had the opportunity to make it clear she was only giving me credit for 1 month!

So now the store has $40 of mine - and I have nothing from them (except party supplies that I paid another $100 for!). What a scam! Can a business (a big corporation, at that!) really just keep my money like that? If I'd have known - I would just have kept the costume and Ebay'd it!

I was told by a different manager today that I must come back and talk to the other manager (who is a Sr. Manager, I guess). I think at least they should just give me the costume back. Any advice?

Company: Party City
Country: USA
State: Washington
City: Vancouver
Address: Chkalov Ave

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