Interesting. So the importer is doling them out in small batches to at least two retailers. Easy no fuss sales for him.
Here's a theory: perhaps the importer is picking out and holding back the best of the bunch, and once the retailers are sold out, will put them on the market himself. That way you don't compete with the retailers, and your hold-backs go on sale after the market has been saturated with beaters. Those waiting for the better ones then go bananas.