redshift

You're quite right in that your contract is with the shop, not the manufacturer. They will suggest that they send it off for repair so that they don't lose the money for a refund, but you are within your statutory consumer rights to claim your money back for the reasons you state (sale of goods act blah blah fit for purpose etc.) Had this a few times with all sorts; hiking gear, boots, even a car. Stick to your guns but stay calm and polite and keep asking to see someone higher up the management chain, the bod on the till will be only to happy to pass on a peed off customer. A quick call to Citizens Advice may help (see yellow pages).

Small print: I am not a lawyer and any words I write may be complete bobbins leading to (and not limited to) loss, death, armageddon and bad hairstyles. Caveat emptor, and don't run with scissors.