The thing with these stores though, is that even if they deny a request, and you say you'll never shop there again... chances are, you will eventually, and probably at their next sale or exclusive item.
It's not a big enough negative to their public image to draw the line wherever they want, whenever they want. We just have to take the good with the bad... the wins with the rejections, especially if it is just a toy or for a few dollars.
Some love the challenge or live by the process, but for me, it's just not worth the hassle if they reject my first request.