Can I expect an apology for this bad service or should I call corporate for next steps. Thanks

Your credit card receipt means nothing on a return. If you didn't have a receipt or gift receipt, you should have been offered an exchange. No one should have been rude to you but you have to follow store policy. Blame dishonest people and shoplifters for the inconvenience to you.

The store manager may try to appease you, but the service won't change so long as the atmosphere remains as it is for the employees. Wal-Mart is not good to their people. Relevant example: they might fire whomever offended you and rehire them next month just to avoid granting the employee benefits they were close to earning.

I would go right to corporate. The managers do nothing to make any difference.

Try the store manager first