Truworths employee errors is costing me close to R4000

On 2/02 (Sunday), I had visited the Westwood Truworths Elements store. The employee present and assisting customers was filling in while the employee who looks after the elements section was on lunch, and noted that this was not his area of "expertise" after I asked him what the latest fragrances are. After spraying a few items, I had decided to purchase the 200ml D&G light blue for females at a cost of R 3 710. The employee then took the boxed item from the shelf, and scanned for payment.

After returning home with the perfume, I opened the box and sprayed the perfume - only to realise that what was given to me wasn't actually what I had requested - i have the tester strip that i sprayed and requested with me as proof of this. I immediately called the store and the employee apologised for this and asked me to come in to discuss with the supervisor/manager the next day, as the supervisor/manager was not in on Sunday.

I then went in to the store today and the initial feedback is that because I opened the box and sprayed the item, they cannot accept it. While I understand this perspective, it is important to understand that the issue does not lie in me accepting the item, opening the box and spraying the perfume - the issue lies in the fact that i was handed a boxed perfume that purported to be the same item I had sprayed on the tester and subsequently requested. I am now sitting with a men's fragrance perfume which I had spent close to R4000 for and which I have no need for. After contacting their customer support, the feedback I received is that it’s their policy not to return opened items. It’s as if their customer service consultant did not even bother to apply his mind or make an effort. I used to be a loyal customer but I am extremely disappointed in how Truworths is managing, what is an error on their end. I will not be purchasing from this store anymore and will share this experience far and wide.