Activation lock on store purchased ipad

The iPad clearly isn’t new - but has been previously setup and used by somebody else. If preowned and purchased as a previously used device, it hasn’t been correctly wiped for reuse - leaving an Activation Lock that prevents use by anyone else.

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support

As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, or unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.

Sorry - but you’re short of options.

We couldn't possibly answer that question, but you should return the iPad to whoever you purchased it from as Activation Lock cannot be bypassed by anyone other then the person who put the lock on the device.

Just a guess: you bought it at Best Buy who sold it to you as a "customer return" or something like that?