Shoplifting In New York

My friend was charged with penal law section 165.4 for allegedly shoplifting in Bloomingdale's in New York. He is so emotionally distraut and he hasn't stopped crying since that I offered to do the research for him. He was arrested but not sent to central booking or kept overnite. He has a desk appearance ticket for 100 Churst Street courthouse. This is his first offense. Bloomingdale's kept the merchandise.
1. is the first appearance an arraignment?
2. is it possible to plead down this charge which is a Misdemeanor A to something that does not carry a record?
3. I know that plea deals vary from courthouse to courthouse, does anyone has any experience in this particular courthouse with this specific charge?
4. Can it be negotiated with the store for them to drop the charges in exchange of paying whatever they deem necessary to fully reimburse them for their expenses associated with the incident?
5. I read something about Governor Cuomo signing a bill in 1991 that allowed for some sort of agreement between the store and the defendant to reimburse the store in exchange for dropping the charges. Anyone knows anything about this or had a similar experience who can share it with us?
Please help us.
Thank you very much.

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1. is the first appearance an arraignment?

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Yes

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2. is it possible to plead down this charge which is a Misdemeanor A to something that does not carry a record?

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Maybe he should discuss options like this or diversion (if available) with his Attorney

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3. I know that plea deals vary from courthouse to courthouse, does anyone has any experience in this particular courthouse with this specific charge?

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He should discuss this with his Attorney who should be familar with local courts and judges

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4. Can it be negotiated with the store for them to drop the charges in exchange of paying whatever they deem necessary to fully reimburse them for their expenses associated with the incident?

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If charges have been filed its too late now

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. I read something about Governor Cuomo signing a bill in 1991 that allowed for some sort of agreement between the store and the defendant to reimburse the store in exchange for dropping the charges. Anyone knows anything about this or had a similar experience who can share it with us?
Please help us.

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I am unfamilar with this but his Attorney should be