Unnecessary receipts

[Evan]

Why do stores give you receipts for very small purchases? I assume it's required by some sort of law. It's pretty stupid though. I can't imagine ever needing documented proof that I bougth soap and hair gel at Duane Reade tonight. Of course it makes sense for big purchases, but the trivial ones (like <$20 maybe) really don't need receipts.

Is there any reason stores always give you receipts? They'd probably save a few bucks/year by not printing receipts for all purchases <$x and I think most of the customers would appreciate not having another scrap of paper to throw out.