Why won’t the Apple Store return a MacBook I bought yesterday at night?

John Galt wrote:

Edit: I just realized CF Fairview Mall is not in the US so you will have to find the applicable Support documents for Canada.

Here you go: From Apple - Legal - Sales Policies - Canadian Retail Sales,

• For returns to an Apple Retail Store for cash, cash equivalent, and cheque transactions over $750, Apple will mail a refund cheque to you within 10 business days.

That ought to settle the matter.

... they said that they could only refund 700 something and then give us a apple gift card to pay the rest

Perhaps they just don't keep that amount of cash on hand, but I'm in no position to know that.

First, on your own, review Apple - Legal - Sales Policies - U.S. Retail Sales, and in particular the passaged headed Standard Return Policy under Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple. Confirm that you intend to return the Mac and that you are doing so in compliance with the terms of that policy. Neither of those documents explain how to handle cash transactions so perhaps the store simply doesn't know.

Then, contact Apple Support, here: Contact - Official Apple Support

Click through the options until you arrive at the option to call them, or arrange for them to call you at your convenience. Explain the circumstances, ask for their assistance, and be prepared to have them review those Apple Support documents along with you if necessary.

Edit: I just realized CF Fairview Mall is not in the US so you will have to find the applicable Support documents for Canada.