Two state agencies are putting the word out about unused gift or merchandise cards from Gymboree, Crazy 8 and Janie and Jack stores: Start shopping before the clock runs out.

All of these retailers are shuttering stores, and the clock will run out at different times, depending location.

But the office of Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and the Department of Consumer Protection reminded residents Friday that Gymboree Group Inc., parent company of the three chains, has filed bankruptcy petitions.

The group plans to liquidate nine Gymboree and three Crazy 8 stores in Connecticut. It is also  attempting to sell Janie and Jack outlets, including its two Connecticut locations.

Tong, who was sworn in as attorney general last week and is also the father of young children, said in a statement: “As a general rule, it's always a good idea to use gift cards as soon as you can. While they may not expire, situations like bankruptcy and abrupt store closings do happen, and there aren't always a lot of options for consumers who have unused gift cards,”

DCP Commissioner Michelle Seagull agreed.

“Consumers with Gymboree gift cards should use them as soon as they are able, and continue using other gift cards they may have received over the holiday season during the same shopping trip,” Seagull said Friday.

The two state agencies also announced that motions have been filed in the bankruptcy proceedings to continue some customer services, including returns, exchanges and gift card programs through the first 30 days of store closures. Store rewards programs, through which consumers receive promotions or coupons, have been terminated.