but did write up the report and did not call the police or anybody else
Then you have no criminal citation

FYI - Just because a report wasn't made to the PD, doesn't
mean you will not be charged. If the civil demand is paid, it
is unlikely you will be charged

What is this thing about ARD or expungement in PA?
Only used in criminal court as a diversion program

and to expect something from the corporation in my mailbox
I guess I should be expecting a Civil Demand letter probably for around 250$ from what everyone else seems to be getting
That's about it . . . can be up to $500, usually half

Should I pay the Civil Demand?
Not paying it could lead to BIGGER trouble

Stinks that it's so much money for such a small amount of merchandise, that he took back that I did not actually leave from the store with.
The amount of the items 'taken' is irrelavent

You are paying for those you have not been caught

Rather inexpensive for a lifelearning lesson I would say