Refusing to accept a returned garment

My husband bought me a top about 2 weeks ago, which I wanted to return this weekend.<br> The problem was that I had lost the receipt, the garment did however have it's tag on intact.<br> <br> All I wanted was for them to take the top and give me the value of the garment on a store gift card.<br> The very rude sales person (oldish woman) told me that they cannot do that unless I produce the original receipt as the tag was not proof of purchase. <br> <br> I tried to explain to all 3 of the sales people that I did not expect cash back as I understood that this was not possible without a receipt but that I just wanted a gift card.<br> The rude woman informed me that I would have to exchange the top for something else, which I did not want to do.<br> <br> At all other retailers I have shopped at they give a gift card in lieu of cash when the original receipt is missing, so I cannot understand how this store has a different policy.