Update: I talked with the store mgr about the vast difference in price between $24.99 and $3.20. She looked up Walmart and yes it was $3.20. She gave me credit for the difference.
So what did I learn? I was totally reminded that one should always do their research BEFORE heading out to shop. Even the online price was better and all I would have had to do was tell them that before checking out. They do match local competitors' prices and their own online prices. I was the one at fault for not checking.
Thank you Rose L and MTS, you have made my day.