Dang, called Apple Store to ask if it was busy or not and if I could pick my order up early as I was near by (online order yesterday with stock in the store), as my check-in window is tomorrow at 4:45pm. They looked up my order on the phone, this person is actually at the store, to 100% confirm they had it, when he did he said it’s there and come in and get it.
I get there, then I’m forwarded to the other entrance where they have a line setup. The lady running the line said zero exceptions as they already have a large line with people, no matter what, I’d have to come back tomorrow at my check-in window.
Sigh, guess no exception if I wanted to wait to not deal with traffic and mall crowds again tomorrow.