1. The merchandise belonged to the store and was for sale (not a freebie like stickers, calenders, etc)
2. Suspect took possesion with intent to not pay or altered item to pay less.
that's it.
I worked loss prevention in my college bookstore. Most often stolen items: engineering books. Mostly because they cost so much...I guess.
Worst bust (for the parents): some boy about 13 who would hang out in the bookstore when his mom was at night class. he ripped an ad for *ahem* "personal devices" out of Playgirl magazine and put it in his pocket. His grandfather threatened to sue the store. But of course never did. Probably found out what he was stealing AFTER he called the store and started screaming.