Can I purchase the iPhone 12 Pro Max from in stores seeing that I am not seeing that option online

Hello ~You could probably find it somewhere but be careful there. Apple has discontinued the 12 Pro and Pro max. Take a look here if you buy a second hand device:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Also:

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone

~Katana-San~

Check with your cell provider. I recently (in the past two weeks) bought a new iPhone 12 Pro Max from T-Mobile.