@Stymie99: They do this in the comic industry. Retailers can return unsold issues back to the publisher.
I can't even count how many times I've walked into an EB/Gamestop with money in hand wanting to buy a game, only to hear "Do you have a pre-order?". When I say no, they look at me like I'm an idiot.
Gone are the days where people can actually buy things over the counter. I now avoid EB/Gamestop like a plague.
If retailers are reluctant to sell a game because they don't have exclusives, then just say no. They'll be the only ones not profiting from selling your game. Don't let these idiots bully the industry.
The like squeaky voices, horribly complicated stories that make no sense and gameplay that revolves around navigating menus. It's no surprise that north American games don't sell in Japan.