Can Staples sell returned goods as new?

[UncleWai]

I ordered this lexmark clearance printer online.
Today, I got the printer and it looked like it's been used for a year (there's a shipping label on the box from last year) and scratched up.
Obviously I called and made an exchange, but I know sometimes people will just forget about it.
Can Staples do this?

 

[RagingBITCH]

On printers that are returned, if they're returned as functional but the customer just changed his/her mind, they might get taped up and put back up top. (Usually the customer would know it's been opened) The one you got might have been a floor model from what it sounds like.

 

[Zorro]

It Was a clearence item? So yes it could of been a return.

 

[aircooled]

Clearance may be an on the shelf item.