Use Gift Cards for These 9 Hudson Valley Stores While You Can

With big retail chains like Toys R Us closing for good, there are several Hudson Valley stores that you'll want to use your gift certificates for before they also decide to close down too.

Buying gift certificates to retail stores used to be a great gift idea. But with all of the announcements of chains closing local stores or shutting down entirely, those gift cards have turned into ticking time bombs. Recipients who hold on to them too long may get stuck having to spend them quickly on something they really don't want or need. Recently, Toys R Us announced that customers would only have 30 days to use up their cards before they become worthless.

While there are no official announcements about these stores closing down their Hudson Valley locations, there are rumblings that they may announce more closures this year. If you do have gift certificates to these stores, it may be a smart idea to start thinking about what you want to spend them on now, so you're not rushed into a decision if they do decide to suddenly close.

1. Sears
Just this month Sears announced some disappointing earnings. The outlook for this company is bleak at best. Many expect Sears to be the next big retail chain to shutter all of their locations, although no announcements have been made yet.

2. JC Penney
After shuttering almost 200 stores last year JC Penney recently announced more closings, including their location in Paramus, NJ. The company has already closed locations in the Palisades and Kingston.

3. Macy's
With locations still open in Poughkeepsie and Middletown, Macy's is planning to close more stores this year. The retail giant already closed their location in Kingston.

4. Foot Locker
Foot Locker announced that they have been struggling to remain profitable and will be closing stores throughout the country this year. With locations in Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh and Kingston, there's a big chance we may see some closings in our area.

5. K-Mart
Owned by Sears, K-Mart has already closed several locations in our area. White Plains and Poughkeepsie still have stores, but for how long?

6. Abercrombie and Fitch
Abercrombie announced that they would be closing more stores throughout the country as their leases expire.

7. Bon Ton
Bon Ton announced a long list of closings across the country. Will the Newburgh location be next?

8. Sam's Club
Sam's Club recently closed over 60 locations around the US. Four of them were right here in New York. Some believe that more closings may be on the way.

9. Banana Republic/Gap/Old Navy
Gap has already pulled out of most of their retail locations around the Hudson Valley. Recently, the company announced that they would be shuttering Banana Republic locations too, although specific stores haven't been announced. It may only be a matter of time until their third brand, Old Navy, follows.