After some unexpected delays with the US release of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus on Verizon, we started looking at a couple new rumored possibilities for the Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone’s launch date. One of those dates floated was December 15, and today there are a few new retail leaks that lend credence to that theory.

A couple of these shots come from Costco locations. Printouts for the phone reference December 15 through 20, suggesting the handset will be available for sale during that period. Then again, a screenshot taken from a Costco computer is a little less definite, only going so far as saying the Galaxy Nexus could arrive “as early as” December 15.

It’s not just Costco that’s looking forward to this Thursday to begin Galaxy Nexus sales; we’re not sure just from which retailer this next leak is supposed to come, but it puts the Galaxy Nexus going on display front and center with that same December 15 date.

As you could see from what already went down this month, even when a carrier’s plans are looking practically locked-in, there’s always the chance for surprises. A Thursday release is looking like a real possibility at the moment, but we wouldn’t put it past Verizon to keep us guessing.