Pre-ordering vs. Clearing the Shelves

There are many reasons we don’t agree with clearing shelves, but the biggest one is that it leaves nothing for anyone else.
Pre-ordering does alleviate that issue.

You can call ahead to the store and ask the department manager if they have enough stock (sometimes it’s in the back storage room).
If they don’t, you can ask them to order enough to cover what you need so you don’t clear the shelves.
I’ve done this a few times. It’s easy, and the stores appreciate it as well as they would rather accommodate those big orders than to have their shelves cleared.
If you know you’re going to buy a big order of something, call ahead, ask if they have the stock. Sometimes the manager will even get it ready for you so you don’t have to go searching for it, or load it yourself.
It makes things easier for yourself and everyone else.