Customers of Clerys are being told any money they put down in cash deposits or spent on vouchers has been lost.
The iconic Dublin department store has ceased trading and provisional liquidators have been appointed.
More than 400 people - 130 people directly employed at the store, and around 330 others employed by concession holders - have lost their jobs as a result. Staff are waiting to find out about redundancy packages.
SIPTU Shop Steward Gerry Markey has worked at Clerys on O'Connell street for 34 years.
He says he feels sorry for the people who have spent thousands of euro on the likes of furniture, and now may not get their money back:
A sign placed in the show window yesterday advised customers that purchases made on debit or credit cards may be able to be refunded in the form of a chargebacks:
The Consumers Association of Ireland says there is no legislation to protect customers in cases like these.
Dermot Jewell says it is a particularly difficult situation for consumers who do not have rights in the case of a liquidation:
Clerys workers held protests outside the iconic O'Connell Street store yesterday following the news on Friday that the store was to close:
