Yeah, for the past 2 years lowes has had their store brand 12gallon shop vac on sale for about $25. Home depot has had a similar sale also, which is where I got my shop vac two years ago (BF05). Reason being is because it was Ridgid brand, instead of a store brand. Either way, a good deal!
Also, there really is no need to go very early to a store like Lowes or THD. I've gone to both the past two years and with each time, people didn't start lining up until 30minutes before store opening. I guess the power tool types aren't as die hard as the electronic types... haha!