ya, I did try Alliance Comics in SS. They had the Deadpool wave and the dude working said, "Minimates just don't sell here". It was a great LCS and I did pick up some other stuff for my kids while there.
We did, however, take a 40 minute family drive up to Catonsville, MD to Cosmic Comix & Toys. First time I have seen a wall of minimates in over a year. It was really nice, though $11 for a 2-pack stung a little (I've gotten used to TRU $$ during the past 13 months).. but I was able to snag the Captain Marvel/New Thor pack that I have been wanting so I'm calling it a win.
Thanks to everyone for the help!! (even those posts that were lost.. I did see them before they were dumped)
-Chad