Disgusting service

On Sunday a purchase was made at the legit store at the gateway branch, my wife then realized that she doesn't require the gift that I bought her and wanted to return it at the Pavilion branch. She was told that because the purchase was made at the gateway branch that a gift card was to be given with then amount on it. Now I had made the purchase with a gift card and cash. Why should I get a gift card in return and not cash and a gift card? Apparently it's their policy that I cannot get a split refund? If I had to return an item at any other store I would've received cash and the balance on a gift card? The manager said that she cannot assist as it's their policy and even after my wife explaining that it was paid with a gift card and cash so she should get a refund the same way it was refused by the manager of the store