Is this normal?

I don't buy many boxes of cards, especially hobby boxes in part my limited budget.  I've noticed however over the last week that many of the "wholesalers" on line have jacked the price of 2011 Topps hobby boxes up around $15.00 as the release date has gotten closer.

Granted Topps did announce the wrapper redemption for hobby wrappers.  Is it coincidence that the prices rose right after this announcement was made?  So if one were buying hobby boxes I guess it's better to get in early and place a pre-order versus waiting until it's released?