I have called ahead several times, and will do that rather than drive a few hours only to be told it's not there. One sporting goods manager told me that they cannot hold items for customers, and that if they are caught doing so, they can lose their jobs. He told me in so many words that they sometimes check up on them, and I'm guessing that's why they won't hold stuff. Although, last year an employee of the Sikeston MO Walmart hid the last $99 Nikon Monarch for me.
As far as them calling a buddy and telling him that a certain item is there on clearance, after you've called and asked about it, that's just a chance you take. Losing an item on clearance is not the end of the world.
