Not sure how things may have changed since, but when I left the UK (now live in US) in the 80's, this norm did certainly not exist, and was quite shocking to me

Not sure how things may have changed since, but when I left the UK (now live in US) in the 80's, this norm did certainly not exist, and was quite shocking to me to see in the US. I do remember the cringe factor in hearing that my mother had once convinced (against normal policy) a UK retailer to take back some clothing item she had simply changed her mind on! It'd be like ordering a steak at a restaurant then sending it back because "I changed my mind - I'd like the chicken". As others have noted, there's a difference between consumer protection laws supporting return of faulty goods, and this ability to return stuff because you no longer want it (and may have even used it!).