Dear Researchers,

This may take awhile, so please consider whether you are able to do
this task altogeher or not. I'm paying a very fair amount of money
simply because of the effort required.

What is requested?
I'm in need of atleast 15 websites that contain a gift
card/certificate feature thats available instantly for printing and
usage in the retail store. The gift card/certificate should not be the
type thats mailed out, nor the one thats used  for online shopping
only, but specifically for printing out right on the spot and being
able to use it inside the store.

Can you be more specific, is there an example?
Yes, http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=7232&CatID=9850&CatTyp=LFS&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=086e434&ProdSeq=7&OffSet=7&ProdCount=11&Cat=all+gift+cards&Dep=gift+finder&PCat=gift+finder&PCatID=7232&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&NumMatches=11&RecPtr=&SearchIn=0&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&PersistenceID=&RecordID=&SearchString=
As you see, the site offers:

* A gift e-certificate thats available for purchase
* The certificate is printed out after the purchase
* It can be used offline inside the store

Is it that simple? Are there any other requirements?
Oh yes, one more. The store/shop/place has to be in NYC area, but it
can also be in NJ, Upstate NY and Long Island (NY).

Can you summarize everything and give an example?
Requested are 15 sites/shops where :
* A GIFTCARD/CERTIFICATE can be ordered online
* It must be available for instant printing out right after the
purchase (No Delivery, No in Store Pickup)
* It can be used inside the store, and not online only.
* It must be in NYC, NJ, Upstate NY and/or Long Island (NY) area.
* There must be a total of 10-15 "entries". Extras get a very generous tip.

Example:

1. JCPenney : http://www.jcpenney.com
Clothes & Other - $10-$50 E-Certificates available, ready for usage in store

Thank you researchers and good luck.

---

Request for Question Clarification by boquinha-ga on 11 Dec 2003 09:09 PST

Hello wallukw-ga!

Interesting and creative gift idea! However, I've been working on your
question for quite some time and have found very few stores which
offer exactly what you're looking for. I've noticed, too, that your
question has been locked and unlocked by different researchers, so I
suspect that my colleagues are finding the same to be true. Are there
any other options that you might consider? For example, a mix of both
printable gift certificates (I've found very few--about 2 or 3) and
gift cards that can be used in the stores (rather than simply online)?
Are there any specific kind of stores that interest you or does
"anything go" so to speak? In light of this, would you consider gift
cards rather than printable certificates? I personally believe that
less and less stores are using printable gift certificates opting
instead for paperless options. Could you please tell us a bit more of
what you seek? Thank you!

Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga

---

Clarification of Question by wallukw-ga on 11 Dec 2003 09:40 PST

What I am looking for is any sort of a gift certificate/card option
that would not require me to wait for days for the cards to arrive.
Either its printed out and then used inside a store, or otherwise
another method is used (I'm not sure what it would be). I am not
interested in regular gift cards that are sent to you and then you can
use them instore. Anything, that can be ordered without the
certificate/giftcard being sent to you (printing out the certificate,
presenting some sort of a sequence+pin number, and so on) is
acceptable. If you cant come up with all 15, then atleast 6-7 would be
enough. The other criteria (location) is a must. Any stores are
accepted, "anything goes".

Finally, I'll soon ask for an answer to another sort of a giftcard
research. Thus if you complete this one, even if there are only but a
few shops, I'll make sure that the other one (if done by you) will be
credited with a generous tip.

Thank you for your time.

---

Request for Question Clarification by boquinha-ga on 11 Dec 2003 09:54 PST

Thank you so much for your quick clarification! I can tell that you
need these soon, so I'll continue to research and try to get the
answer to you as soon as possible. Your clarification certainly helps
me understand better what you're looking for.

Just to be sure, are you now open to a gift card that is picked up in
the store? (For example, if this is a gift that you're giving to
someone, you can create a "gift card" in the meantime so that you can
hand them a representation of what they're getting and then they can
pick up the card in the respective store). Is this an option? I'll
keep searching and please feel free to send me more information as
much as you'd like. I'll keep checking as I look for this for you!
Okay, back to more research . . .

Thanks so much,
Boquinha-ga

Anything, that can be ordered without the
certificate/giftcard being sent to you (printing out the certificate,
presenting some sort of a sequence+pin number, and so on) is
acceptable. If you cant come up with all 15, then atleast 6-7 would be
enough. The other criteria (location) is a must. Any stores are
accepted, "anything goes".

Finally, I'll soon ask for an answer to another sort of a giftcard
research. Thus if you complete this one, even if there are only but a
few shops, I'll make sure that the other one (if done by you) will be
credited with a generous tip.

Thank you for your time.

---

Request for Question Clarification by boquinha-ga on 11 Dec 2003 09:55 PST

My apologies--my previous post also posted part of your previous
clarification. Please disregard.

Thank you,
Boquinha-ga

---

Request for Question Clarification by boquinha-ga on 11 Dec 2003 11:00 PST

Just a quick update on my progress--a simple change of keywords has
made my research a thousand times more effective! I am finding much,
much more than I had previously anticipated. I'll be posting an answer
with which I'm confident you'll be happy. I'm very excited about the
progress I'm making on your question!

Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga

Hello wallukw-ga!

Thank you for a very fun question! I had a lot of fun working on this
question and it even got me feeling very nostalgic for that
?Christmastime in New York? feeling! May these results help you and
yours in your holiday celebration or for whatever purpose you
ultimately use them! I hope that you are very happy with the results
that I?ve got here for you. I have found stores that meet your
requirements and verified how they issue and use electronic gift
cards/electronic gift certificates to ensure that they meet your
needs. I?ve also researched store locations and supplied you with
links to those. Here we go!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Eddie Bauer
http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/egiftcert.asp?lp=L4C&cm_ven=Performics&cm_cat=affiliate&cm_pla=tier3&cm_ite=tier3

Store Locator?NYC
http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/custserv/eb_storelocator_results.asp?nv=22376|22382

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2. L.L. Bean
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&categoryId=10003&parentCategory=4138&shop_method=pp

Store locations:
http://www.llbean.com/shop/factoryStores/map_flemington.html
Factory store in Flemington, NJ

http://www.llbean.com/shop/retailStores/marlton/marlton.html
Retail store in Marlton, NJ

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

3. Bare Necessities
http://www.barenecessities.com/brands/Womens/BareNecessities/GiftCertificate0150.htm

Store locations:
http://www.barenecessities.com/csi/directions_4.asp?sid=H1GC3RSNNFCW8G7GXERUDQD170K7A860
Matawan, NJ

http://www.barenecessities.com/csi/directions_71.asp?sid=H1GC3RSNNFCW8G7GXERUDQD170K7A860
Rochester, NY

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

4. The Right Start
5. Zany Brainy
6. FAO Schwarz
https://www.rightstart.com/global/giftcertificate/default.cfm?site=baby&gcsite=RS
I?m really excited to tell you about this one! This electronic gift
card can be used at 3 different stores?Zany Brainy, The Right Start,
and FAO Schwarz?the site explains that the electronic cards can only
be used online, but then there is a caveat that explains that if you
send an electronic card, it can be exchanged for a plastic card at any
retail store location or by contacting their customer service
department.

Store Locations:
http://yp.yahoo.com/py/ypMap.py?Pyt=Typ&tuid=22050497&ck=1350468146&tab=B2C&tcat=8120444&city=New+York&state=NY&uzip=10007&country=us&msa=5600&cs=4&ed=lJt4lK1o2Ty2L84EwYIL9s.EdfJDCVIxzAKB8NbvFtcN&stat=:pos:0:regular:regT:1:fbT:0
Zany Brainy in NYC, from Yahoo Yellow Pages

http://yp.yahoo.com/py/ypMap.py?Pyt=Typ&tuid=21965699&ck=1244518610&tab=B2C&tcat=95761967&city=New+York&state=NY&uzip=10007&country=us&msa=5600&cs=4&ed=lJt4lK1o2Ty2L84EwYIL9s.EdfJDCVIxzAKB8NbvFtcN&stat=:pos:2:regular:regT:5:fbT:0
The Right Start, in Bridgewater, NJ

http://www.fao.com/global/help/help.cfm?TID=43550416140284690311123805&Site=Toys&help=Locator
FAO Schwarz store locator

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

7. JCPenney
http://www1.jcpenney.com/jcp/featurestory.aspx?CatTyp=DEP&DeptID=7232&CatID=13552

Store Location:
http://www1.jcpenney.com/jcp/StoreLocator.aspx?context=StoreLocator
(5 different stores in the area)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

8. Lands? End
http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/help/0,,1_36877_36880_36977___,00.html

Store Location:
http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/help/0%2c%2c1_36877_36883_37028___%2c00.html?sid=8788066471841195090
Retail "Inlet" in Rochester, NY

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bonus: And just in case you?re interested in eating while you shop (or
giving a restaurant e-gift card along with your shopping e-cards), you
may be interested in Restaurant.com. http://www.restaurant.com/

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I hope that this answer provides you with a lot of great information
and options and that my research has helped save you some time and
energy! I know that time is of the essence, so I am posting this
answer and should I find more stores that meet your needs, I will be
sure to post more information for you! Should you need further
clarification, please let me know how I can help you. I?m happy to
assist you!

Also, if you?re happy with my research and would like me to research
your future questions as you mentioned above, simply ask for me by
name in the subject line of your next question. That is an appropriate
way to direct questions to a specific researcher. In the subject line,
make sure to put: ?For boquinha-ga.? I would be more than happy to
assist you further. Thank you!

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga

Search Terms Used:
?Electronic Gift Certificates?
?Electronic Gift Cards?
?New York City shopping?

Thanks. Although you used the example I already gave you and provided
less than I requested, you did a good job.

I would strongly caution you to avoid one section of the answer given: 

"4. The Right Start
5. Zany Brainy
6. FAO Schwarz
..."

These stores are all part of the same parent which has recently
declared bankruptcy for the second time.  They have announced that
many of the locations of these 3 chains will be liquidated and closed
soon. If they do not find a buyer, all of the stores may close. I
would not recommend holding a gift certificate (an "I owe you") from a
store that is bankrupt and likely to close its doors soon.

With regard to the comment by research_help-ga, I do want to add that
I've called FAO Schwarz and spoken to one of their representatives to
verify that all of their stores will remain open at least through the
holidays and likely much longer. While they do not know the specifics
about the long-term decisions that will be made due to declaring
bankruptcy, they do know that there are no immediate plans to close
down stores. They are in the process of finding a buyer as well.

Also, recent news articles discuss how these recent developments are
really a gain to shoppers as there are big sales in their stores. One
example can be found here:
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/business/2274173

Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga

One more note on this--Zany Brainy stores ARE being closed; however,
I've contacted the store in New York City (listed above) and the
person with whom I spoke verified that their store as well as the
stores in New Jersey will remain open until at least Christmas. Beyond
that, they don't know for sure.

Thank you,
Boquinha-ga

Unfortunately, the situation for this company is much worse that
boquinha has been informed by store representatives.  (I am guessing
the information provided is based on a simple call to the store where
the retail help may not be completely informed about the official
actions of the headquarters.) They have announced that many stores
will begin closing immediately. Also, some of the stores that remain
open will be liquidated by companies who buy the inventory and then
sell it off. Therefore, some of the stores that remain open will be
run by liquidators who may not be obligated to accept gift
certificates issued by the previous store owner.

Just to clarify--I did indeed call corporate headquarters (and NOT a
local retail store) to obtain my information. Again, with regard to
announcements to close stores--this pertains, at this time, only to
Zany Brainy stores. Please reference this most recent press release:

http://www.irconnect.com/faoo/pages/news.html?d=49076

When a company files for bankruptcy, there are clearly some unknowns;
therefore, I am posting the most recent information as we know it.
While it is wise to use caution with regard to investing (or
purchasing gift cards as the case may be) in a company in such a
situation as this one, I also can not assume or speculate on how
individual stores will handle things (which is why I called both
headquarters AND specific local stores in NY and NJ). I also cannot
speculate on what the customer may be doing with these gift cards. For
example, if they are intended as holiday gifts, then perhaps (again
with speculation as to how things *might* be handled by the company
and individual stores), some caution should be used. However, if the
gift cards are intended for more immediate use (in order to shop over
the next several weeks), based on all of the information that I've
researched, this shouldn't be a problem; in fact, one can get some
very good deals and discounts!

One more thing to note--the date to watch for is December 15 with
regard to FAO's future as this is the deadline that they've set to
find another buyer, believing strongly that FAO and The Right Start
are both well-loved and have a great deal of positive public
sentiment.

I reiterate that through the holiday season, except for the caveat
that all sales are final, shopping at these locations will not be a
problem, certainly not in the New York and NJ areas. You may want to
reference this article to confirm this information:

http://www.plainvanillashell.com/article.asp?ID=2203

From this article:

"The joint venture stated that, aside from the deals being offered
through the sale on every item beginning Thursday, December 4, 2003,
customers should not see any significant difference in operations at
the stores as a result of the filing through the time its wind-down is
completed early next year. Daily operations will continue, stores will
remain open, and transactions that occur in the normal course of
business will go on generally as before, though sales would be final."

Many Regards,
Boquinha-ga

Hello wallukw-ga!

Thank you for the 5-star rating! I want you to know that after I
posted the answer, I continued looking for more electronic gift
certificates for you (immediately printable and for use in stores), to
no avail. Should I find out of any more, I will be sure to post such
as a comment here. Thank you again for allowing me this opportunity to
help you! Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga