Cielo - Substandard Products and *******

I purchased an Eames replica chair from Cielo (Somerset West branch). The chair which cost a significant amount of money was delivered to me around 23-25 May 2022.

It was purchased as an occasional chair and more for decorative use (so hardly used). Within a few weeks the "genuine" leather started to crack really badly. Around 20 June 2022 (so within 1 month) I contacted the Somerset West store to make them aware of the defective chair - also sent them photographs. Their customer services department then liaised with me.

In my initial call with their Pelisa, she gave me two options: 1) Return the chair for a refund 2) Return the chair for an in store credit

I rep**** that I would prefer the full refund for the chair and she said that she will liaise with her manager and get back to me. Pelisa then sent an email only offering an in-store credit and denied offering me a full refund.

A couple of issues: 1) I know my rights in respect of the Consumer Protection Act and Cielo can't force me to take an instore credit because I did not notify them within 14 days of purchase. How could I possibly have known that the leather was latently defective and only started showing the defect after around 20 days? 2) My intention and requirement was for a specific chair and an instore credit is useless to me as I don't have an option do get a similar style but better quality chair with peace of mind from Cielo.

I have responded to Pelisa and requested feedback but they are just ignoring my emails. Really poor service and not a business I would recommend using by any consumers - total disregard for customer and Consumer Protection Act.