GameStop employees are allowed to reserve systems and oft, those systems are reserved before the door even opens for that day.
However, employees are only allowed to order one system. This isn't really about them scalping themselves, though I'm sure it happens. But LP watches that very, very closely.
My guess is they notify friends in advance who show up early to pay cash and flip them, splitting proceeds with the employee, which avoids the LP eye.
Another reason you see a differential is those friends or sometimes customersthey liked because they boosted their numbers
In my time there, it was not uncommon if a store had 10 systems, they'd "hold" one for more someone.
They'd tell customers they sold out, when in reality they had probably a few more to sell, but it was "held" for friends.
I never agreed and just told people to get there, make the plan and execute. You either make it or you don't.
However, I made an exception myself, only once, for a years-long regular customer who was wheelchair bound and relied on special city transport bus to get to us.
He came shop and visit with us usually once a week on Friday's and despite his disability and speech difficulty was a smart and genuine person.
He could only play specific games, but gaming was his escape and he was fiercely loyal. I do not regret that one I did and never will.