Sale excitement turns to utter dissapointment

Item: Nike SA
Rating: 1

I visited the Menlyn Nike store on Saturday the 8th of July with my two children looking to purchase a pair of running shoes for my wife for her birthday on the 9th. We were excited to see that a particular pair of shoes that my wife liked, the Nike Lunareptic Low Flyknit 2 Wolf Grey/863779-002, was on sale at a price of R1599. The sales lady first assisted us to fit a number 8 size, which my wife found to be a bit tight and she asked whether a size 8.5 was available. The sales lady returned from the back office and informed us that there is not a size 8.5 available, but then suggested she would go and see whether there may be a size 8.5 amongst the men's shoes stock. My wife had obvious concerns that the mens shoe would visibly differ from the ladie's version, but was assured that the men and lady shoe is exactly the same shoe. Convincing my wife, she agreed to try the "men's version" and after the sales lady actually found a pair sized 8.5, fitted it and with my wife very happy that the shoes are exactly the same. I informed the sales lady in secret that she must please keep the pair for me for an hour or so when I would return to pay and collect it. My kids and I wanted to surprise my wife and their mom with the gift and returned on our own an hour later. However, the sales lady informed me that there was a "problem" with the transaction that we concluded and referred me to the Store Manager. The Store Manager informed me that the shoes were no longer available at the agreed on sales price of R1599 as the shoes were part of the male shoes stock and these were not on sale. I felt extremely agrieved and very strongly argued that the sale had allready been transacted on the discounted terms/price and not at a drastically increased price for the male shoes. It was exactly the same shoe! No difference! Same box. Somehow, " male shoe" code allocated? To exasperate out situation, my wife had also looked at a a pair of Adidas shoes at a store just around the corner for approximately the same price and was also very keen on them. Should we rather buy that pair? Especially if this is the way that we were being assisted? My teenage children, a boy of 18 years old and a daughter of 16 years old, and myself have however always been very keen Nike brand supporters and ambassadors and saw this as an opportunity to finally "convert" their mom to Nike. For this purpose, after feedback from the Store Manager that she "had no discretion to accommodate us" and "that the Regional Manager would not approve" of any initiative from her side to conclude the transaction with us, even after I told her that she might potentially lose the deal, as well as future loyalty my children and I, I nevertheless and very reluctantly went ahead and purchased the shoes for almost R800 more than what was initially agreed with us. Sad to say that we all left the store bitterly dissapointed with the complete lack of compassion and very deflated at the treatment from the staff of a brand that we have been vocally supportive of for many years. We will remain loyal to the brand but cannot see us ever supporting the shop at Menlyn again. Definately not recommend the shop to anyone. Happy wife. She loved the shoes! Dad and teenagers however doing some research on alternative brands and options for the future...

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