Country Road Espadrilles - Woolworths

I received Country Road shoes ( espadrilles) as a gift for my birthday in April. I only wore them about 4 times and the strap across the foot literally tore right off! I wrote an email to complain with photos attatched, which was responded to, to say that they were concerned and have elevated it to customer services. Not hearing any further, I called in to be told that I should go into the shop. The Country Road manager assisted me and said that any stock older than 6 months is not considered "quality!" And therefore have no recourse! I was under the impression that this was just one shoe badly made but hearing 6 months is how long Woolworths expects their high end products to last, I am shocked!