For those that care here's what happened in a nutshell:
Target: Stores way to dealing with customers, let alone field questions. Bust
Circuit City: Sign at the door saying 'Out of Wii'.
Toys R Us: Missed it by luck. Next shipment 1st week in Jan
Micro Center: Sales Rep laughed and said 2nd week in Jan
Comp USA: Got "That's not my Department." No one knew what was happening in the Video Games section. Left in fustration
Meijer: They had some PS3's just chillin' but no Wii.
Various Gamestops/EB: Most were uncertain. However at one store, the manager clued me in saying wait for the UPS trucks to come in, since they've been getting small, but consistent amounts. He told me to come during 12-2:00 and see wait what happens. This guy was on the level, so I waited on Thursday. No avail. I figure since the manager bothered to have a conversation with me that lasted more than 30 seconds, I came back today. Sure enough, Some wii's came in, got mine and have been messing with it ever since. Once again, a store is only as good as the people working in it.
So to Recap:
If they say they don't know, ask when their UPS/DHL/Fedex comes.They're the ones who have the keys to the kingdom so to speak. Come a few minutes before, and just make your presence known. Now if there was a way to get UPS inventory and delivery routes...
For me personally, I staked out one particular store instead of after getting frustrated running around town. That way the staff would be more sympathetic to my cause and know I'm the real deal.
Word on the web (
this site) Sunday might be a good day. Camp out, do what what you have to do within the law, and you'll be fine.
To be honest, its equal parts perseverance and luck. Stay smart and ask the right questions.