Best Buy indeed holding back iPad 2 stock, but for upcoming promotion

A series of rumors around Best Buy reportedly "holding back" iPad 2s, telling customers they were out of stock when in fact the stores had simply "reached their sales quota" for the day have resulted in a lot of confusion over the state of Best Buy's relationship with Apple.

The rumor mill first started grinding after a CrunchGear post. Later, however, the site received information that reportedly "smashed" the rumor.

However, later still, BGR reported that it had independently confirmed that retail employees of at least two Best Buy stores were told by managers not to sell iPad 2s on Thursday afternoon.

BGR also obtained an internal communication delivered to all retail employees at a California Best Buy location on Thursday, sent via SMS. The SMS said:

NewsFlash: ipads cannot be sold according to BBY. All ipads except for preorders MUST be held until further notice. Cant tell customers were holding them either

What's up? It seems to be much ado about nothing. Best Buy gave more information, though it did not respond to queries about giving misinformation to customers. They said:l:

“Best Buy continues to receive iPad 2 inventory from Apple on a regular basis. As we’ve said previously, we are fulfilling customer reservations first. Our stores have been asked to temporarily hold non-reserved iPad 2 inventory for an upcoming promotion. This is a customary practice for us when there are supply constraints. Best Buy enjoys a great partnership with Apple, and we’re delighted by customer response to iPad 2.”

There was also a rumor that Apple had blacklisted Best Buy, and was preventing them from selling the iPad 2. That seems to be no longer a reliable one, based on Best Buy's statement, above.

However, now the question arises: what is this promotion and is it worth enough for consumers to wait for it?