Cape Union Mart attitude on defective product returns

This is the second time Cape Union Mart has wasted my time with a defective product return, and it will be the last time they get a cent from me. We spent close to R4,000 on a pair of Salomon hiking boots as a Christmas gift for my son. After just two hikes on Table Mountain, the rubber grips on the soles were literally tearing off, with pieces already missing. This is not wear and tear — it is a blatant manufacturing defect.

When we returned from being away for a few days, we took the boots back to the store on Tuesday, 6 January. Instead of dealing with the obvious defect, we were met with attitude and bureaucracy. Yes, I understand the return policy mentions the original box, but we were told to take the boots home and clean them first. What exactly is the point of that? Are they planning to put these defective boots back on the shelf, or is this just another obstacle designed to discourage returns?

What frustrates me most is being treated like a ******** for returning a clearly faulty product that came straight off their shelf. I am tired of spending large amounts of money with a retailer that defaults to suspicion and arrogance instead of standing behind the brands they sell. Cape Union Mart has completely lost my trust, and I will not be shopping there again.