a friend ordered one online, we stop in a Verizon store (highway store NJ) and asked about the iPhone 5 stock, they didn't have any, and said... if you ordered one on line you'll probably get before we get stock.
My VZW store in OH said they wouldn't get any in stock before end of year. So we are at the mercy of the preorder system until then.
My 64gb blk ordered 9/17 in store finally left Memphis Friday night and is sitting peacefully at the Cleveland destination facility until it is delivered to me tomorrow!