questions about cd stores

[Mama Kin]

The store can buy them, basically whenever. I used to work in an Electronics store and we'd get POs for stuff sometimes a good two months in advance. Unfortunately, I quit that job, but never saw a PO for Chinese Democracy. Basically, any supervisor at a record store or electronics store will know when it's coming when a PO comes down for it. I guess it depends how the store works, but at the one I worked for, it could anywhere from a good two months to a couple days before hand.

[DarrenLeves]

I may be able to help on this one. I used to work In an Entertainment store. If We was gearing up for a big Release (I.E. oasis, U2, R.E.M. Coldplay, Guns N Roses) The stock would generally go into the store on a wednesday before the release date(Monday Here in the UK) There would be about 100 or so copies. then the next day another 25 would arrive and this would continue untill the day of release. They would then be restocked on sale  Basis (1 sold = 1ordered) However we could  order some more if were thought they was going to sell (or was selling above expectations)
 We generally got told about big releases about a month before the release date.
 All the Point Of Sale (Posters, Standees etc) use to come in on The Friday Before Release.
 Hope this helps