We purchased ours from Walmart, we had looked around at prices and they were all pretty much the same, so we just grabbed it whilst we were there getting other bits.
We have had a few issues with our iPad and had no problems in getting support from our local Apple Store
We bought ours from the Apple store at the Mall of Millenia. I looked at prices and there was no difference when we bought, the sales guy even said we could go into the Sheffield store if any problems. Yes they get that many people buying that they even knew our local store !!
same for me, in my experience, the prices are the same no matter where you buy it....(so i buy at the apple store)..
i have always assumed that apple has very strict controls on the prices stores can offer to consumers - no matter which store..
Due to the above Currys have an offer on at the moment and John Lewis are price matching it, Tesco too have an offer with a code plus you should get cashback using UK retailers which may make them cheaper than buying in US.
Have checked the UK prices and it seems you can still save about £50 out here on the model I'm looking at. Think I will go to the Apple store direct then as it would be good to have them set it up for me!!