Consumer rights group Which? is advising customers of Toys R Us and Maplin to take their gift vouchers into store as soon as possible.

Alex Neill, Which? managing director of home products and services, said consumers should make sure they don’t lose out.

“It’s a worrying time for everyone when a company goes into administration but for customers it’s important to remember that your consumer rights may be affected,” he said. “If you have recently bought anything from Toys R Us or Maplin, you may not be able to claim a refund or exchange the item if they cease trading. If you have gift vouchers you should try to spend these in-store as soon as possible.

“If you are planning to shop in Toys R Us or Maplin and intend to buy something worth more than £100, make sure you use a credit card as you’ll be able to make a claim against your credit card company under Section 75 Consumer Credit Act if anything goes wrong.”