Agree - the public launch date appears to be May 21st.They most likely won't be available in stores until the second half of May, probably the 21st or close to that, being the date the first orders are due to ship. Apple might, but usually don't, make products available in store before their first shipping dates.
And your mentioned solution is what causes future price hikes from Apple.I have heard about a few that simply order one of each. Would be a good way to see the color where you will be using it!
(I did not say it was a good solution, just a choice... or, there's always "wait a month to order". It's not like you wear it to show off to others, like an iPhone or earbuds.)
Or, you can always return your iMac. Order it. If you don't like the color, return it, and order another. Not an efficient way to get your iMac, but probably smarter than buying all seven at once, eh?
Except the original Apple Watch…. that was in stores for viewing ahead of ordering.Apple stores do not ever get products for display or demo in advance of the official launch day, so May 21 will be the earliest they can be seen in stores.