I would settle for having it ready for pick up. In the interim, I use the online store to find the aisle and bin number as it is usually faster and more accurate than flagging down an employee.
I don't do "pick up" for lumber because I found that I need to Q/C each stick, and then go back in for however many are split, too much wane, etc.
Both of my "local" big box store quit supplying salt for water softeners. I used to buy from one because I could get a pallet discount, and then stock up on other items at the same time. Rather like grocery stores selling eggs and milk at a low price to get you into the store. I ended up buying the entire stock of an Ace nearby (nine bags...), but the bags had a manufactured on date of 2021, and looked like they had been stored outside since, so I am not sure that will be repeated. One handle already tore out when I was loading them.
It is a process. Like
@sixdogs, I try to patronize the locals when I can, but the $17k woodworking story has happened to me countless times. I find it odd that retailers are so willing to cut their noses off to spite their faces. I don't ask for the online price, just something in between. The really galling ones are where it isn't in stock, so they have to order it, and they aren't willing to work with me. It isn't as if they have capital tied up in inventory, and I'm helping bump their purchase volumes up for their own discounts. It just makes no sense.
Rant over.
It is what it is, and I try to do right by the folks who are doing right, and have to leave it at that.
All the best,
Peter
