For all retail purchases of electrical goods, the retailer is obliged to repair or replace (at the retailer's discretion) any item which develops a fault within the first 6 months. (Under certain circumstances that's extended to 6 years but i won't go into detail because it's not relevant here).
LX Direct seem to be arguing that your friend effectively bought the item from the owner of the catalogue, rather than directly from LX Direct. However, if LX Direct accepted the order direct from your friend (using her address and paying with her cheque or debit/credit card) I doubt that a court would agree that LX Direct can get out of their obligations so easily.
LX Direct is part of the Littlewoods group and guess who has owned the Swan brand since 2001? Yes, it's Littlewoods!
Try an e-mail to
[email protected]
If your friend gets no joy, I suggest that she should contact her local Trading Standards department.
Chris