Update on my scouting:
Homedepot has dahlias but the 5/$14.98 bags. They have a hot mix, a cool mix, ones of one type (A Fubaki of some sort that I recall) I think there were 4 single type bags. No single dahlias in boxes or smaller bags.
Walmart: the garden center guy said he has no clue as he doesn't get advanced warning, they come direct from supplier(?) and he usually has them by now.
Menards: no dice
Ah well, it's a beautiful day to be out and about. Now that I am home I see lots of fall leaves maybe I'll go take and put in my garbage can for the heap when I use up this last fall additions.