Visited the Trafford Centre store today. Was first told that there were none in stock, then that there were 2 gold and 2 silver (base model). Got told someone would come over to help me purchase it, waited 20 minutes and no one came. Asked again. Finally went to purchase, only to be told there was only silver in stock. Still went ahead with it, rather excited, then told at the very last minute that there were none in stock! What a shambles! I have never had a bad experience in the Apple Store until today. They all seemed to be clueless.
Also went to the Manchester Arndale store afterwards, they had just sold out. The guy there told me that they received 10 gold and 10 silver base models on Friday, and that there might be another delivery this week.