having worked in retail, I know that there are several reasons that the "perfectly good" ribbon may have been tossed out. First and foremost, it was probably stained or frayed or someone "borrowed" a piece. (the cutting off of a piece of ribbon or edging happens all the time. Customers want to see if it matches their project at home.) The store can get more money from destroying the ribbon than discounting it. They claim it on the insurance. I once had to destroy 6 beautiful stuffed animals (with a box knive) because they had gotten wet!. I could have washed them, but the store can't sell stuff that has been wet due to germs, bacteria and parasites that love stuffing and wet. I know how bad you feel when you see perceived waste, but sometimes it is necessary.