Poor response and customer service from both, IMHO ... the store should have taken them back (cut or not) to return to Northcott in the first place ... but the response from Northcott doesn't impress, either !
The LQS has to stand behind products they SELL - and Northcott should stand behind THEIR products. I worked for a LQS (in the era before pre-cuts) If a fabric or item we sold was faulty we replaced it or reordered for the customer. No ifs ands or buts. The LQS needs to make it right for YOU, the customer - and Northcott replaces THEIR defective merchandise.
* I've heard the same re. Bali Pops strips / Hoffman. On the other hand, I've used a lot of Moda precuts and never had a problem, except one charm pack with one miscut square.