Since this thread started I've been asking around in several other collectibles circles and apparently this whole practice is relatively common. One interesting discovery was in regard to Shelia's collectibles. I understand that they've released 15 or so lighthouse store exclusives over the past few years (and who knows how many others - lighthouses are not their main interest). The really interesting part, however, is that there are a couple of repeat stores in the group. I would think that if a non-involved dealer were to get upset over another store receiving an exclusive then they would really pop a cork over another dealer getting two or more to their none.

Gary