unhappy with recieving a gift card

I bought a wallet and pair of shoes , saw a wallet for cheaper & the shoes were for my nephew but they were incorrect. The tag was taken off the takkie but I still do have the tag. I went to the store to ask for a refund on b oth items amounting to R160.00 , I was given a gift card for that amount as I was told the store does not give cash back and also because the tag of the shoes were detached. I am really unhappy about this gift card because I know for a fact that it will not go to use as I do not shop at jet / edgars / legit , I was told I could use the card at these stores. This is going to be a problem for me because my money is going to waste on that gift card,is this a way of forcing ur customers to buy from ur store???!!