Yes but I would recommend speaking with a manager, not a regular employee. Management is usually more familiar with their policies than other employees are.
That is a great idea for 2 reasons:1) You're unfamiliar with the roads, entrances/exits, store locations and parking. 2) When you get in line early in the morning it will be DARK so it's better to scout before BF arrives. Smart thinking :)
I would definitely stop at Radio Shack B&M on your way home. I just discovered I was looking at the wrong cable (item 15-1063) but it's still worth a look.