The issue is that each E Leclerc store is independent and with the exception of electrical items, you cannot return an item to another store for exchange.

I purchased a duvet cover on holiday and asked before paying if I could exchange it if my son didn't like it and got the answer - of course. However, when I tried to change it at another store, I was very rudely refused.

Not only that, but on leaving the store, the same woman asked to search my bag and tried to say I had stolen it although she had seen the duvet and the receipt five minutes earlier.

Guess I won't be shopping in Leclerc!

Yes, I found this out to my cost last year when I purchased something in Limoges and tried to return it in Boulogne due to the item being faulty. It appears they operate on a franchise basis, I was most surprised by this as they have always been one of my favoured superstores in France.

Having been held as a shoplifter, the store manager had to save face and offered to change the item if he had it in stock - the look on the assistant's face was priceless!