Yes, that policy changed when they introduced the "special" parts earlier this year - the 16-25 bins that now have the decals around then for whatever the current theme/promotion is. YMMV on getting boxes for the non-special parts, but definitely not on the specials.
When I was in staying in Oak Lawn for 3 weeks I went 4 times to Orland park lego store and did once asked about it and yes they did and brought one out for me to see and it cost 100 dollars which they increased it from 70 before from what I read online about it. The box contain a 4x6 red plate which there one outside being Sellotape it.
Comments
My assumption is due to the inventory being stored in a separate location of the Mall and not an easy process to get.
Chris