[zeuls]

should I instead order the phone online and return it in store?

As with every In-store SE, attend late on a Thursday/Friday just before close of business - namely when they're Inundated with customers and returns. As such, they won't have time to thoroughly check the return.

Also, Identify the most vulnerable employee at the service counter. For example, young females tend to be naive/gullible, hence distract her by complementing her hair and nails etc. You'll find that everything mentioned, will draw attention away from the possibility of checking every part of the return.

Thanks for the info, really appreciate it!
Update: I just purchased the phone in store, didn’t need my ID just phone number and full mame.
Any tips on removing the seals from iphone 13 pro?
Thanks

New Update: I removed the seals using a blow dryer and a piece of paper, replaced with dummy phone.
I followed this youtube tutorial to remove it and replaced with a new one: https://youtu.be/P2pWYPd0S-A
I’ll be going back in store in a day or 2 and i’ll update on the situation!