Amazon gift cards pulled from NY retail shelves without explanation. What's going on?

Amazon gift cards appear to have been pulled from retail store shelves in New York without explanation or warning.

Wegmans public relations manager Tracy Van Auker confirmed the removal of the gift cards from all New York Wegmans locations Tuesday, directing all further questions to Amazon.

A WGRZ viewer in Western New York informed the Buffalo-area news outlet they were unable to purchase an Amazon gift card for a graduation present after visiting several stores that sell gift cards, according to reporting from WGRZ.

When asked about the gift cards at New York Tops store locations, Tops asked that any questions be directed to Amazon, Tops director of corporate communications and public relations Kathy Sautter said Tuesday. 

What is Amazon saying about the removal of gift cards from NY stores?

An Amazon spokesperson said the company frequently experiments with how customers can purchase Amazon gift cards. They declined to say whether Amazon has removed all gift cards from New York retail stores or answer questions about if or when the gift cards may return to store shelves.

How to purchase an Amazon gift card

Amazon gift cards are still available for purchase at Amazon.com.

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes.