FORTUNOFF G/C GOOD TILL 3/8

Cuomo Says Use Those Fortunoff Gift Cards Quickly

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) -- The New York attorney general says customers who have gift cards or credit slips from Fortunoff can use them -- at the store's going-out-of-business sale.

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo says the chain stopped accepting gift cards earlier this month as it sought bankruptcy protection and unsuccessfully tried to find a buyer.

Customers complained.

Cuomo said Wednesday the liquidators who now own the store's jewelry and furniture merchandise have agreed to honor gift cards and credit slips -- but only until March 8.

Cuomo said there was an estimated $8.5 million in cards and credit in circulation. The chain has stores in Westbury, White Plains and Nanuet, N.Y., and elsewhere in the Northeast.