Refusal to accept damaged boots with a reciept

I went to Ackermans in Campus square to return a pair of boots that I purchased in Carlton centre. To my surprise I was told by the cashier that they don't accept goods damaged which were not bought in their branch so I asked why isn't it written at the back of the till so they called Fikile who is the manager,she also told me the same thing that she won't accept the refund so I need to go to the branch I made the purchase at so my question is why are we inconvenienced as there's really nothing written on the till slip and what if I had made the purchase in another branch. Campus square is more convenient for me as I work that side. Please look into this matter because I'm sure being told about losses when the shoe has a quality issue wasn't the problem here.