This does not pass the ethics tests, either. This bad decision may take less effort than replacing the goods, but it is clearly wrong. This is how you would want to be treated. A customer treated this way will trust your business and come back. Employers want people who act ethically as a matter of habit.
Ethical character is a plus in business.
Ethics is a two-way street If you are an ethical person, you expect your employer to treat you ethically. You work for a retailer. This is clearly disrespectful. He is getting value from your effort and owes you the money. In fact, this behavior is illegal as well.