Gymboree Outlet

A friend gave me a baby’s skirt that I don’t think will work, therefore I took the original receipt, with the skirt that still has tags on it, and went to do a return today. The item was purchased on 9÷5÷14 I believe, and the receipt says that if I return within 60 days, I will get the original form of payment back. My friend paid in cash.
However the lady at the cashier proceeded to give me a card for store credit. I told her that I would like cash back. She asked if I was the person who paid for it. I truthfully said my friend gave it to me, and she said ok, then I can only get credit back.
I do not live near the Allen Outlet mall.
I brought the original receipt, with tags and complied with the return policy within 60 days. I bought a pair of socks that was less than the credit amount.
I walked out extremely frustrated, because I probably will either lose the card, or never return there again to spend the credit (I am so frustrated I don’t think I will return there ever again).
I think it’s very unfair that I complied with all the rules of the return policy, and yet I am forced to purchase from the store with the credit.
My husband also thinks it’s unfair.
Be careful if you purchase here, you may not get your money back!