Does any one know if the phb will be released earlier at wpn stores than online? im debating ordering through amazon or likewise vs having to wait (like i did for the starter set)
Yes, WPN stores get to release the PHB early - the 8th, to be specific.
WPN stores get all D&D stuff from WotC early (typically 2 fridays prior to the normal release date). That has been true for years and will continue to be true for so long as WotC desires.
...and if it ever ends up no longer being true, there will be a big announcement, and an even bigger community flip-out.
Is it all WPN stores or just some? The WPN store I pre-ordered from release the books on the normal release date...
If it is a WPN store, then they should receive it early and are authorized to sell early.
mboss77 wrote:
Strange. The response I got from the store when I asked was (translated from Swedish):
"Unfortunately we do not get any books before the release date. Our membership in WPN unfortunately does not lead to us getting any shipments before the official release date".
I can hope that it proves wrong. They did not get the Starter Set early, but then I am not sure if they were a WPN store yet at that point (they turned up on the store locator with the site design change).
My WPN store is getting the book on August 8th. It sounds like your FLGS is not a WPN store despite their belief to the contrary.
Be3Al2 wrote:
Also not all WPN stores do have early release. Barnes & Noble is considered a WPN store (according to a search of nearby stores on Wizards site) but they release the books on the official release date instead of early. I think WPN stores get the option but they may choose not to do it, or perhaps certain chain stores while flagged as WPN aren't able to release early due to their contracts/distributors.
I pre-ordered the PHB from my local WPN store, but I remembered when I ordered it the guy said "day of release". 
That was before I heard that some stores were getting it a week early... I'll give them a call when they open to double-check.
At my FLGS (Game Empire, Pasadena, CA) the owner is taking pre-orders for 8/8 (next friday). This store is part of the WPN.
They also got the Starter box set 1 week before general release.
AaronOfBarbaria wrote:
Please forgive my ignorance. What does WPN mean?
Ethanfoster wrote:
mboss77 wrote:
My pleasure!