Article: MALL ADDS SURCHARGE TO GIFT CERTIFICATES; MALL CUSTOMERS DON'T LIKE CHARGE FOR GIFT CERTIFICATES.(Business)(Column)

Byline: BOB NIEDT RETAIL NOTEBOOK

Mall gift certificates purchased at Carousel Center come wrapped with a bonus this year: a surcharge.

Customers who buy the gift certificates at any of the mall's service desks are being charged $1, no matter what the amount is on the face of the certificate.

It's the first time any local mall has charged for gift certificates, which are usually purchased at face value and redeemed at any mall store.

Carousel customers are howling. Mall management calls the fee a necessary and overdue move.

"It was just a business decision," said Rob Schoeneck, the mall's general manager. "We understand that ...

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