I had a JCrew stylist e-mail me to give me a heads-up on the 998s and she did say the in store release will have special packaging. She didn't have any pictures or info on the packaging though.
I went there last month and they had quite a few GR 996/997/998s available, but I think the biggest size they had in any was a 10.5. Worth a stop, but don't have your expectations set high.
Sorry if I missed something earlier in the thread, but 3/4 of these are re-releasing as high tops? I remember the rumor, but didn't see confirmation until now. Again - sorry if this is old news.
Edit: old news - thanks search function!
Literally said the same thing...and proceeded to go buy them after seeing this pic! Folks in the NB thread should be paid by New Balance for the sales their pics produce.