Pink loop watch strap issue

The watch plus pink loop in size 6 is out of stock online but the pink loop is available to buy separately.

Apple Kingston advised the online team would either swap the watch loop out for the pink (as it’s in stock all be it to purchase separately) or just ask that the (white) strap be returned,

Online help inform me that’s impossible to swap a loop colour.

All now taken a morning of my time visiting the store and a seemingly endless wait oh the phone. And customer services have been particularly customer unfriendly just transferring me back to after sales to get the same answer.

Are Apple going out of their way to make people buy two straps?

Throwing one away seems crazy for the environment and is a waste of money.

Is there anything to do other than return everything, wait for the watch with pink strap to be available and cancel a much wanted Christmas present?

thanks