When does retail theft goes from a misdeamenor to a felony?

When it goes over a specific dollar value ( each state in the US has their own law on it)

Quite true. Here is an example from Wisconsin law

"If the value of the money, funds, credits, securities, assets, property, proceeds from sale, or loan does not exceed $500.00, then the theft can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, unless the person was previously convicted of a misdemeanor or felony for trespass, theft, possession of items to commit a burglary, unauthorized release of animals or wire fraud, then a Class I felony.

If the value of the stolen property exceeds $500, but is less than $10,000, then a Class H felony.
If the value of the stolen property exceeds $10,000, but is less than $100,000, then a Class G felony.
If the value of the stolen property exceeds $100,000, then a Class E felony.
"

In NY it's both dollar amount and how the theft occurred - such as with force, without force, false ID, whatever.