Officers were called to the Corner Cash Convenience Store, in Riddings Road, Deighton, at about 2.40pm on April 5.
Two men entered the shop and one of them bought a number of items before leaving.
But one of the men then returned with a can of lager, which his friend bought, and demanded a refund.
When the shopkeeper refused, he became aggressive and threatened to damage the premises.
He then leaned over the counter and stole the till before fleeing.
The offender is described as a black man, of medium build with short, black hair.
He was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a blue T-shirt and a grey zip-up hooded top.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kirklees CID via 101, quoting crime reference number 13180159640.