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!