DY: you do realize that your analogy is unfair as the chances of each happening are not comparable.
From a non Halachic POV, just as general observations: a Heimish store with a Mikva will generally not accept returns of toveled stuff, even if you didn’t use it. I can’t imagine them accepting used utensils, and these items are generally extensively packaged so it would be pretty obvious to the shopkeeper. Department stores I believe sell returned utensils as open stock, which I would avoid. I’m not sure they always do though.