Canada Apple Stores Will Not Sell Unlocked iPhone 5 On Launch Day
Image iphone 5 / Apple – Uploaded by AccessWinnipeg

Those looking to purchase an unlocked iPhone 5 (without a carrier contract) will have to do so online.

According to this page:

Buy iPhone 5 with a contract at your favourite Apple Retail Store beginning at 8:00 a.m. on September 21. We can help you choose the right rate plan and get you up and running. Or visit the Apple Online Store to buy an unlocked, no-contract iPhone 5.

UPDATE:
[tweet https://twitter.com/justywusty/status/247692947506724865]

The reason for the change is Apple makes more money on a contract phone than outright unlocked purchases as they receive residual revenue from monthly carrier fees. So if you have plans on waiting overnight for an unlocked phone, it looks like you’re out of luck and the only way to get one is through Apple.ca. [IPHONEINCANADA]