That is why I pre-order games at gamestop.com with overnight shipping you are guaranteed to get in on the street date. I always hated their in-store 48-Hour pickup policy. I understand you don't want to have someone abuse the system and hold a game forever. However, the fact that you don't get a person calling (it is usually an automated message reminding you the game should be in stores by this time) sucks.
I can't stand that. Other places actually call you and tell you that the game has been released. They ask you are you going to pick it up by a certain time? If you say no they will sell it to another customer.
Screw Game Stop brick and mortar the suck.