Gander Mountain was once a popular outdoor recreation retailer that operated 162 stores across 27 states. However, in March 2017, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and began liquidating all of its stores. This prompted many consumers to wonder if their unused Gander Mountain gift cards could still be redeemed.
What happened to Gander Mountain?
Gander Mountain first opened in 1960 in Wilmot, Wisconsin. Over the next several decades, the company expanded to become one of the largest outdoor gear retailers in the United States. However, Gander Mountain struggled to keep pace with changing consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce. In March 2017, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced plans to close all 162 of its brick-and-mortar stores.
After filing for bankruptcy, Gander Mountain began massive liquidation sales to clear out merchandise from all locations. By May 2017, the last remaining stores had shut their doors for good. The company’s intellectual property, such as its brand name and website, was later sold to Camping World subsidiary Gander Outdoors.
Can unused gift cards still be redeemed?
When a retailer liquidates and ceases operations, consumers are often left wondering if their unused gift cards can still be redeemed. Unfortunately, the answer is usually no. When a company closes down, gift cards essentially become worthless since there are no stores left that will accept them.
This means that any outstanding Gander Mountain gift cards that were not used prior to the company’s liquidation in 2017 have no remaining value. The cards cannot be exchanged for cash or redeemed for merchandise. Even though the Gander Mountain brand was acquired by Camping World, the new Gander Outdoors stores are not affiliated with the original company and do not accept gift cards from the defunct retailer.
Where to Check Gift Card Balances
If you are holding on to an old Gander Mountain gift card, the first step is to check and see if it still has any funds remaining. Here are some options to check the balance:
Call Customer Service
Though all Gander Mountain stores have closed, you may still be able to get gift card balance information by calling Gander Mountain’s customer service line at 1-866-515-3627. Keep in mind that customer service representatives will no longer be able to help with redeeming cards or transferring balances. But they may be able to look up your card number in the system and provide information about the remaining balance.
Visit the Website
GanderMountain.com is still active, though it now redirects to GanderOutdoors.com. On the old Gander Mountain website, there used to be a gift card balance checker. This feature no longer appears to be available online. However, it may be worth checking the website periodically just in case this changes.
Check Your Receipts
If you purchased a Gander Mountain gift card in-store and still have the original receipt, it should show the starting balance of the card when it was purchased. While you won’t be able to check the current balance without calling customer service, the receipt will provide information on the original value.
Attempt to Use In-Store
As all Gander Mountain locations have closed, this is not an option for checking the balance. Do not go to Gander Outdoors locations and attempt to redeem Gander Mountain cards, as these are separate companies and the cards will not be accepted.
What to Do with Unused Gift Card Funds
Once you have checked your Gander Mountain gift card balance, here are some options on what to do if funds still remain:
Use for Online Purchases
While Gander Mountain gift cards cannot be used at brick-and-mortar stores any longer, there is a small chance they may still work for online purchases. The GanderMountain.com website is still operational and redirects to GanderOutdoors.com, which sells outdoor gear. Try entering your gift card information during checkout on either site to see if any balance can be applied. However, chances are low that this option will be successful.
Sell to a Reseller
Some online gift card resellers, such as CardCash, may offer to purchase your unused Gander Mountain gift card balance. However, offers are typically at a steep discount from the face value – sometimes as much as 60% less. This allows the reseller to make a profit when they attempt to recoup the balance from the retailer. Given how unlikely it is that Gander Mountain balances can still be redeemed, offers from resellers are probably very low or nonexistent. But it may be worth checking to see if you can get anything.
Exchange for Another Brand
There are some online gift card exchange platforms, like CardCash and Raise, that allow you to trade in one brand’s gift card for another brand’s card. In some cases, you may be able to exchange an old Gander Mountain card for a different retailer’s card. However, again, the offers are likely to be for only a small percentage of the face value given the limited likelihood that Gander Mountain gift cards can still be used. But it’s an option worth exploring if you’d rather have a gift card to a retailer that’s still operating.
Use for Online Classifieds or Auctions
Rather than sell your Gander Mountain gift card balance to an online reseller at a steep discount, you may have better luck exchanging it directly with an interested buyer on a classifieds platform like Craigslist or auction site like eBay. You can list the card’s balance and negotiate a price with buyers who are willing to take the risk that the funds cannot be redeemed. Just be transparent in your listing about Gander Mountain’s situation so buyers understand there is a very low chance of successfully using the card.
Donate to Charity
If selling or exchanging your Gander Mountain gift card does not appeal to you, consider donating it to a charitable organization. Some charities accept donated gift cards and attempt to make use of any unused balance. You can get a tax deduction for the donated card’s face value. Just be sure to donate to reputable charities like Goodwill or Salvation Army rather than mailing cards to individuals or questionable organizations. This way, you can ensure the card goes to a worthy cause.
Keep as a Souvenir
If your Gander Mountain gift card was purchased by a loved one or during a memorable time in your life, you may opt to hold on to it as a souvenir even though the funds cannot be spent. The card may hold sentimental value to you or remind you of a particular experience. Retaining gift cards with no balance also lets you show proof of the purchase if you ever need it for tax or accounting purposes.
Is There Any Chance of Getting Money Back?
Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that consumers holding Gander Mountain gift cards with a remaining balance will ever be able to recoup the funds on the cards. Here are some key reasons why:
Retailer Bankruptcy
When a company files for bankruptcy and liquidates, outstanding gift cards essentially become null and void. Remaining customer liabilities like gift cards are very low priority for receiving any money back during bankruptcy proceedings. Secured creditors and debt holders are first in line. Typically, there are insufficient funds left over to reimburse consumers for unused gift cards or store credit after a liquidation.
Unaffiliated Brand Acquisition
Even though the Gander Mountain brand name was acquired by Camping World, the new Gander Outdoors company is not legally affiliated with the former Gander Mountain entity. Therefore, Camping World has no obligation to honor old Gander Mountain liabilities like gift cards. The brand name was purchased, but not any pre-existing customer balances.
Lack of Enforcement Mechanisms
There are no enforceable consumer protections in place requiring bankrupt retailers to reimburse unused gift cards. Class action lawsuits are unlikely to succeed given the minimal assets left after liquidation. Essentially, when a retailer closes down, consumers have very little recourse for recovering lost gift card funds. Any balance remaining is unfortunately forfeited.
Company Policy
Gander Mountain’s website includes a policy noting that gift cards are not redeemable for cash except where required by law. No laws requiring cash redemption of retailer gift cards after bankruptcy apply in this situation. So according to its policy, Gander Mountain does not have to reimburse gift cards for cash after liquidating, even for the original purchased amounts.
Could Gander Mountain Gift Cards Increase in Value?
In rare situations, unused gift cards from defunct retailers have become collector’s items and increased in value over time. However, this is very unlikely to happen with Gander Mountain cards for a few reasons:
High Supply
Gander Mountain was a large national retailer with locations across the country. Tens of thousands of their gift cards were likely sold. As a widely available card, it is less likely to become a sought-after rarity. There is ample supply to meet any limited collector demand.
Short Operating History
Some gift cards from long-standing brands that operated for a century or more have become collectible. But Gander Mountain was only in business for around 55 years, from 1960 to 2017. As a relatively new brand, there is less nostalgia and brand significance that would attract serious collectors.
Limited Brand Recognition
While Gander Mountain was one of the biggest outdoor recreation retailers during its heyday, it did not have the widespread cultural significance of department stores like Sears or Montgomery Ward. As a regional outdoor brand, its name does not evoke as much nostalgia across the general population.
Reemergence of Brand Name
Another factor diminishing the collectibility and value of Gander Mountain gift cards is the fact that the Gander Mountain brand was purchased out of bankruptcy and relaunched as Gander Outdoors. The brand name still exists and is active in the retail space, just under new ownership. This makes Gander Mountain gift cards seem less like a historical artifact.
Examples of Defunct Retailer Gift Cards Becoming Collectible
Though it is unlikely for Gander Mountain, there are some examples of expired gift cards from long-gone retailers gaining value as collector’s items:
Federated Department Stores Gift Cards
Federated Department Stores operated well-known chains like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s for nearly a century before becoming Macy’s, Inc. in 2007. Vintage Federated gift cards can sell for over $100 online.
Montgomery Ward Gift Cards
This former department store chain went bankrupt and closed in 2001. Unused Montgomery Ward paper gift certificates bearing the classic logo can now fetch $50 or more on auction sites.
Warner Brothers Studio Stores
After the iconic movie studio’s retail chain closed in 2001, its collectible gift cards with images of Bugs Bunny and other characters have sold for upwards of $200 each.
Final Verdict on Old Gander Mountain Gift Cards
Unfortunately for consumers holding unused Gander Mountain gift card balances, the chances of recouping any funds are essentially zero following the retailer’s bankruptcy and store liquidations in 2017. The cards hold no monetary value today beyond nominal collector interest on marketplaces like eBay.
While the Gander Mountain name lives on under new ownership, the pre-bankruptcy gift cards cannot be redeemed at Gander Outdoors locations. And the company has no legal obligation to reimburse consumers for the outstanding balances.
Ultimately, old Gander Mountain plastic will likely end up forgotten in drawers or tossed in the trash now that the retailer has closed all locations. Consumers are unfortunately forced to accept the loss of any unspent balances on these now defunct gift cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t Gander Mountain gift cards be used at Gander Outdoors stores?
While the Gander Mountain name and brand assets were purchased out of bankruptcy by Camping World, the new Gander Outdoors company is an entirely separate legal entity from the pre-bankruptcy Gander Mountain corporation. Therefore, they are not obligated to accept old Gander Mountain liabilities like gift cards.
Can Gander Mountain gift cards be exchanged for Gander Outdoors cards?
No, Gander Outdoors will not exchange old Gander Mountain gift cards for new Gander Outdoors cards. The companies are completely separate despite the similar name. Your only option would be to try exchanging your Gander Mountain card for a different brand of gift card through a third-party reseller.
Are Gander Mountain gift cards tax deductible if donated to charity?
Technically, yes, you can claim the original face value of an unused Gander Mountain gift card as a tax deduction if donating it to a legitimate charity. However, given the cards have no actual monetary value, the deduction may not be worthwhile compared to donating cash or other items. Consult your tax advisor.
What are Gander Mountain gift cards worth on resale sites like eBay?
Gander Mountain gift cards have very little resale value, with eBay listings typically fetching between $1 and $10 depending on the starting balance. Buyers are only willing to pay pennies on the dollar given the unlikelihood the cards can actually be spent. Significant balances over $100 may sell for slightly higher amounts.
Can companies reissue gift cards if a retailer declares bankruptcy?
No, companies that acquire the intellectual property of a bankrupt retailer, like Camping World acquiring the Gander Mountain name, have no obligation to reissue or reimburse the original company’s gift cards. Outstanding gift card balances from the bankrupt company are forfeited.
| Gift Card Balance | eBay Sale Price |
|---|---|
| $25 | $3 |
| $50 | $5 |
| $100 | $10 |
This table shows approximate eBay sale prices for Gander Mountain gift cards based on the balance. As shown, buyers are only willing to pay a few dollars on cards with balances up to $100 due to the inability to redeem them. Higher balances may sell for slightly more.
The Bottom Line
Gander Mountain gift cards that were not used prior to the company’s bankruptcy and liquidation in 2017 are now worthless as a result of the retailer permanently closing all locations. Consumers are very unlikely to recoup any outstanding balances, though selling on resale sites can recover a tiny fraction of the original value. With no redemption options, most old Gander Mountain plastic will end up being donated, trashed, or kept as souvenirs by disappointed cardholders.
