Incompetence of management at Bryanston store

On 25 November I bought a Greek salad (BB 25 November) and a Crunchy Summer salad (BB 26 November), worth about R100. I have bought these salads numerous times with no problem. I wanted to eat the Greek salad that night but when I opened it the cucumber was already soft and slightly slimy. I also attempted to eat the Crunchy Summer salad and put it into a bowl but noticed that the bottom cabbage was going brown so back it went into the container and the fridge, to be taken back. I was irritated and angry as not only could I not eat what I had bought but now I had to take it back too (which would have to be done at MY convenience)! I went away for the weekend and could only get to Bryanston Woolworths on 31 October in the evening. I unfortunately had the displeasure of dealing with Joanne, the duty manager, who dealt with the situation poorly. She told me that since the expiry date had passed and it was the 31 October she could not give me a refund or voucher or exchange the products as the system disallowed it. She said I should have phoned Woolworths customer services or the branch and informed them of my issue if I could not return it the next day. WHAT NONSENSE! In all my years of dealing with Woolworths and issues that have cropped up I have NEVER been told that story by a capable manager!! I told her that historically if I had issues,the manager I dealt with used their discretion and do a refund,voucher or exchange. I told Joanne that I bought thousands from Woolworths every month and asked her if she really thought that I would go to the trouble of bringing back 2 items, both salads bought on the same day, if I wanted to be deceptive. She said she would not authorise any of the return options mentioned above as it would come back to her. I was astounded! While waiting for Joanne to come & assist me from where ever she was I did a bit of shopping. I took the items to the till which is when the interaction with Joanne occurred. When Joanne told me she could not assist me, I informed her I would not be taking the other items - these other items would've cost me R600 and the return of the 2 salads would have "cost" Woolworths R100 (not sure if she is capable of doing maths). Every other manager I have dealt with at many different stores have amicably and competently assisted me with returns - they did not make me out to be a dishonest individual. So again I have been greatly inconvenienced by not being able to return my salads as well as having to write this complaint which I really would have preferred not to do. Unfortunately many other consumers aren't willing to go through this or even the inconvenience of returning the item and I do understand. However for me it is a matter of principle and I believe that I should fairly get what I paid for. I also know in the long run my effort will hopefully assist others and Woolworths in providing the best quality food and customer service standard it strives to have.