If I want to upgrade my Verizon iPhone 4, do I have to buy an iPhone 5 from Apple?

I know that if I want to upgrade early I have to buy a new iPhone at full retail price.
But do I have to buy it at Verizon or can I buy one at the Apple Store or online at Apple?

You can buy it anywhere you want, then just call verizon and have them switch to your new phone… Its that easy.

You could buy it anywhere… It is a little easier to get with Verizon as you don't have to call them, but if you want to preorder then you have to get it from apple.