In stock in stores but not selling?

[lipstickpower]

Hi everyone, i just would like to ask a question. An item is stated as in stock in my nearest stores on the website but I went to the store it wasn't there? I asked a beauty adviser if she could find the product for me and she said that they have them in the back but they can't sell it? she told me that i have to wait for a release date? is this sephora policy? and if they have it on stock, and it's been released online, why can't they sell it to the customer? A note is usually posted on the product in the website or app if they have different online and in stores release dates right? pls help clarify. thank you. p.s. in my case the staff told me to wait for july, it's the middle of july and the item is still not released in that specific store and it's been on the website for more than two months. also, when i check the "find in a nearby store" it is stated as in stock.

[alexasteph]

This isn't uncommon. When they receive the shipment of a product, it is registered in their inventory, so it shows has being available, however, the brand may request it is not put on the shelves until a specific date. I have found that some stores enforce this more than others, but I think Sephora tends to be one of those that typically will. I've gotten lucky at Ulta before with certain things. I would recommend calling your store on the day it is officially released and ask them to hold it for you if you are worried about a product being out of stock by the time you get there. 

[lipstickpower]

Thanks! some managers or supervisors did sell me some products that they didn't display yet. i guess they got more strict with policy or what not. i really dont want to order online as I tend to test out the products and hate returning them as well. lol