A Lansdowne takkie lover is kicking up a fuss after the pricey sneakers he bought broke within days.
Even worse, when he took it back to the store, the manager refused to refund or replace the shoes.
Shakier Arendse, 23, says: “I was searching everywhere for this particular pair of Vans and nobody had it.
Shakier Arendse is kicking up a fuss after the pricey sneakers he bought broke within days. Picture: Jack Lestrade
“It is the old school black and white (the sole being white) and low cut.
“I work in Claremont and on June 25, I decided to go to Studio88 in Kenilworth Centre during my lunch hour and take a chance.”
He says he struck gold when he found exactly what he wanted.
“I was so happy. The price of the Vans was R750, which I paid in cash.”
But his excitement about his new kicks soon turned to disappointment after they ripped.
“I took the shoes home and wore it thrice and then the shoes broke,” says Shakier.
“It did not break at the sole but rather at the ankle side, like a material tear.
“A co-worker told me to take it back as I was reluctant to return it at first.
“But it was just over a week since I bought it and I decided to take it back to the store.”
Studio88 in Kenilworth says they can't help the customer without a receipt. Picture: Jack Lestrade
But the service he received the second time around was vrot, he says.
“I could not find the receipt but I had the box with their label on it, and I went back to the same guy who helped me the first time.
“I remembered the exact date and time I purchased it. I also work in retail and I know the receipt can just be reprinted.
“The manager was extremely rude and she refused to take it back because I didn’t have the receipt and told me to contact their head office.
“I called and spoke to a guy named Ebrahim. He was even ruder.
“When I asked about his customer service, he blatantly told me: ‘It doesn’t work so here by us’.
“I don’t want any reimbursement. I just want my Vans to be replaced,” Shakier adds.
However, Loren Lennox, the group marketing manager for Studio88, says there is no way the customer will be helped without a till slip, as per their company’s policy.
“I managed to speak to Ebrahim and he has indicated that he was not rude to the customer and merely stated our returns policy.
“As mentioned, should the customer be able to provide proof of their purchase (till slip or a bank statement), we are more than happy to assist them.”