Definitely different now... you can tell by the way they push to retailers at Toyfair that new assortments (figures) will be available on an almost monthly basis, just to keep their shelves looking new to the customers.
Not just with popular lines, but with anything, they have monthly release schedules for retailers to sign up to if they are interested in that product-line.
Just look at how quickly items and size-classes go on clearance at the cheaper Chains.