Redmond Spa Steps Up to Honor Gift Cards After Bend Closure

A sudden business closure has left many consumers in Bend, Oregon, grappling with unredeemed gift cards. After operating for 27 years, Spa W unexpectedly shut its doors earlier this month. To assist affected customers, Lattanzi Spa in nearby Redmond has announced it will honor Spa W gift cards.

Brianna Lattanzi, a former employee of Spa W, confirmed that Lattanzi Spa is ready to provide services to anyone holding a Spa W gift card. Customers can call Lattanzi Spa to schedule appointments and redeem the value of their cards. Lattanzi expressed her desire to support the community, saying, “My heart is open for everyone. I don’t know what is going on, but for someone to not get their full gift card value is not right.”

The owner of Spa W, Rebecca Abraham, was unavailable for comment, but a statement on the spa’s website indicated that, “Unfortunately, the economic hardships faced in recent years have taken a toll on Spa W. Rising costs and the lasting effects of the pandemic have proven to be a challenge we could not meet despite our very best efforts.”

According to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division, consumers should be cautious when purchasing gift cards. They advise verifying the legitimacy of the card, confirming the balance with a cashier, and keeping receipts. Additionally, customers should check whether a business has closed or declared bankruptcy before attempting to use a gift card.

Oregon law prohibits gift cards from having expiration dates, except under specific circumstances, as explained by Marta Hanson, a spokeswoman for the Office of the Attorney General. This regulation aims to protect consumers from losing their money due to business closures.

The Bend Chamber of Commerce acknowledged Spa W’s significance in the local community. Sara Odendahl, the interim CEO, commented, “Spa W’s sudden closure is a loss for our community. We know many customers are left with questions, especially about unused gift cards.” She encouraged affected customers to reach out directly to Spa W through various channels for assistance.

Lattanzi’s decision to accept Spa W gift cards comes as a compassionate gesture amid the turmoil. “The gift of living is giving,” she remarked. “When I give back, it’s not about the money. I think there’s a lot of gift cards out there unused … there’s a bit of risk for me here, but for those that had a balance, it is the right thing to do.”

As this situation unfolds, the community remains hopeful that customers will find resolution for their unredeemed gift cards, thanks to Lattanzi Spa stepping in to fill the gap left by Spa W’s abrupt closure.