What is this

I opened up an account online and was approved. Once I got my sms I went to the store to collect my card. The cashier who "assisted" me gave dirty looks and after signing my card told me I should pay half the amount for an item to activate my card. I took the card and left. I emailed a consultant to activate my card. When I brought an item online, no such thing of paying my own money upfront was asked. Lol what is this. Are some foschini employees gatekeeping who gets credit cards now?