Area managers unprofessional attitude

I bought a Nike takkie at footgear. After few hours of wear, it started to peel and fluff ***** gathered on the takkie. head office agreed to refund me if it was reject. On inspection at the branch, the manager agreed it was reject. After an hours wait in store I was told the area manager does not authorize the refund due to time lapse. The terms stated 6 months. I only had it 5 months and due to lockdown was unable to return it. No one has the decency to revert back to me. The area manager is hiding away