Exchange? Or not to exchange?

Went to Auchan today. It is kind of like Europe's version of Super Walmart (I use that analogy very loosely). I got the usual, eggs, milk, tape, and christmas lights. I checked out and as I am leaving I realize that I bought blue christmas lights instead of white. Annoyed with myself I go up to the cashier and explain (in very bad Italian) that I made a mistake and can I go and exchange the color really quick. She smiles and tells me sure but I must go to customer service first. Ok, so off I go wait in line ( the Italian version) and finally after "elbowing" my way to the front I explain my situation. She gives me some paperwork to fill out makes copies of my documents and then sends me over to a second customer service "line". By this point I am starting to grow annoyed with the system. .. . really? two different steps in this process? So I get up to the second counter explain my situation again. He has me fill out more paperwork, makes copies of my documents and then sends me off to yet another person. REALLY?! This person explains that I must go get my item and then bring it to the security guard to check. I do this get the guard's "official" approval and then he sends me BACK to the first customer service counter. Forty five minutes has already gone by, I have to pee, and I am going to be late to pick up Reid. The lady at this counter was very pleasant. She checked my product, checked my receipt, gave me money back from the first item and then tells me to go back in the check out line and repurchase my item. Well, there is no turning back now and I finish the deal but left with white lights AND 4 more white hairs. Lesson Learned: In order to return an item in Italy you will exchange your sanity along with it.