Not true at all stores. I was refused at my two local stores when I tried to do just that. This was a few weeks back, when the closing news was still fresh.
"Facebook Memories" is a stupid-ass concept. I received one based on my niece who was recently killed in an auto accident; the "memory" being from before that time. I didn't need to be unexpectedly slapped with that reminder.
This is, indeed, a rebranding of Mega Bloks, now that Mattel has bought that company.
Are you happy with the physical qualities of the figures? I read somewhere else that they were crap, compared to previous Mega Bloks releases.
Bring it on!
And I think you will find, having made your decision, a renewed joy in Minimates -- gathering only the ones you want, rather than the chore of completist hunting.