Having worked retail: It depends on the store as to if they give cash for a return without a receipt (usually at last sale price); or a Merchandise Return Card. Some give it directly to the credit card the person thinks they used in the transaction.
That said - they also require a signature of the person. And let's face it - 7 "I forgot to save the receipt" purchases in a year is unusual. And especially when you have a person shoplifting $505 in a single trip.
Many people will shoplift and item, then return it for the money/credit. This is all too common.

