I think that people who have purchased Sharper Image or Circuit City gift cards can tell you the risk of buying store gift cards, especially with so many companies teetering on the verge of bankruptcy.
Another problem with store gift cards is some stores don't accept them at all their outlets. I was, recently, given a $50 Sears gift card that couldn't be used online. (I don't have a Sears store nearby)
The advantages of a Visa gift card is that it can, generally, be used anywhere that Visa is accepted, and (unlike many store cards) they, usually, do not have penalties deducted if you hold on to them for awhile.
