I did it once on iPhone 4 launch day. I was one of the first 10 through the door.Chose to pick up at the store, next Friday.
I had already ordered my Apple Watch on keynote day and chose in-store pickup. I was already going there anyway so I just added the phones to the same time window.
I have to work Fridays and having to have someone with their face against the window waiting to sign for a delivery was less desirable than driving about 20 minutes away and seeing the madness that is iPhone day.
Since then it’s been UPS taking the strain.