Apple iDevices need earlier release to maximize holiday sells?

With how the current release is, iPad Minis just are not ready for the holiday. None at Best Buy or Target or even at an Apple Store. Sure they can be ordered online - but that won't get impulse buyers picking them up for Xmas. If Apple was serious they would have had these in stores by now. Either Apple just didn't expect Minis to be huge or Apple got bit by a shortage of parts - either way I'm disappointed.

This has been a trend from Apple - release new product and not have any in their stores for months after release. It could be a smart way to judge demand and keep supply lines tight, but it sure pisses me off.

I've seen the new Touches in stores, ready to buy. Best Buy didn't even have a demo Mini. At the Apple Store nearest me they had like a dozen Minis on display but zero to actually buy. I want to think Apple is smart and knows what they are doing but I fear that they could have sold a ton more Minis if they had actually made enough to get them into stores before the holidays...

I'm sick of seeing something released and not being able to buy it (outside of online ordering) for months after release. I doubt if this will change so I guess I'll have to order online next time Apple releases a product I want. But outside of myself, I feel Apple really blew a huge chance to sell a ton of these if they were in stores where impulse buyers are right now shopping.