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  • Miscellaneous News

    Posted by yellowcastle, 13 Oct 2010 09:06. Filed under Shopping (USA).

    • Thanks to Brickset member TooMuchDew, here are links to The November 2010 LEGO Store Calendar (front / back) and October 2010 LEGO Store Monthly Mini Build (overview / directions)
    • This is Week 2 in the Toys R Us Bricktober Promotion.  While there are not any sales to speak of, you do receive the super awesome Cavalry Officer Magnet with a qualifying $20 purchase.
    • And don't forget, October is Double VIP Points at LEGO Stores and LEGOShop.com.  This equates to 10% savings off your future purchases so don't delay!

    37 comments, latest one posted 31 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)
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Comments

Posted by brccoins in United States, 13 Oct 2010 12:15

I placed an order with TRU on Sunday the 3rd to get the bricktober soldier and was dissappointed yesterday when my order came and it wasn't included. When I called TRU they said they ran out of stock. A bait and switch in my opinion.

Posted by pandax in United States, 13 Oct 2010 12:27

@brccoins, check yr order record to see if magnet is included in yr order or if they shipped yr order separately. My order does, I ordered on 5th and get the magnet separately.

Posted by cara in United States, 13 Oct 2010 12:31

I am so fed up wth TRU. The b2g1 promotion they ran out of every big set I would have liked to buy. Then last week when they had the Green Grocer for $134 again not in stock. Now this week I go to the cash register at my local TRU with a purchase and find no magnets. So I put the lego back and gave up on TRU. I agree brccoins I am beyond disgusted with the way it all feels like a bait and switch. If you have a promotion have the decency to have enough stock to last past the first few hours of the first day it happens.

I even mailed them and got a probably standard response:
Due to the overwhelming popularity of this promotion, our inventory of many Lego sets has been depleted. Though we tried to gauge our guests' interest to the best of our ability, the promotion was advertised as "while supplies last."

Posted by MCNwakeboard in United Kingdom, 13 Oct 2010 15:40

Does anyone have experience with the surprise savings card that is given out on Black Friday (November 26th this year)? Is it like a coupon for a future purchase or do you get the discount immediately? Do they normally run out quickly? Thanks!

Posted by starfire2 in United States, 13 Oct 2010 16:13

Last year we went to the Lego store for their black Friday deal. They scratch off a scratcher card in front of you and show you what savings you get. We only ended up getting 10% off. Plus they were giving away one $500 gift card to one lucky winner.
As for TRU they may not have any sales going on but they are giving away a free Lego Halloween bucket along with the free magnet.

Posted by MCNwakeboard in United Kingdom, 13 Oct 2010 16:25

So can you suddenly remember that you needed to get a modular building if a 20% or 50% discount is revealed?

Posted by pandax in United States, 13 Oct 2010 16:30

In my TRU store, I can only get either a magnet or a bucket, not both in one purchase :(

@starfire2, did u need to wait for long in black friday? I mean for entering the lego store or checkout like the grand opening?

Posted by skullsndogbones in United States, 13 Oct 2010 16:47

I was able to get the magnet and the bucket with the same purchase, but the cashier didn't seem to even know there was a promotion going on until I asked her, and I think she may have been reprimanded afterward for not scanning the free items in with my purchase. I'm not really sure if she was supposed to let me have both or not. My TRU (Erie, PA) seems to get enough of the magnets for about half of the week, or at least that's what they told me the first week.

On another note, Borders (At least the one here in Erie) are carrying the new Harry Potter sets. As a Border Rewards member I got a coupon via e-mail for 40% off any item last weekend. I used it on the Hogwarts Castle (overpriced at $150) and got it for right around $90. Toss in a few gift cards I had from redeeming my discovercard cashback bonus, and it was mine for $60! Not a bad deal. If you are not a member of Borders Rewards, you might consider joining. Their Lego selection isn't great, and it is overpriced, but the 33% and 40% coupons they send out from time to time make it worth it.

Posted by Dodge in Canada, 13 Oct 2010 16:59

I used to work at our local TRU and still have a few connections there... I've currently spent $8 and recieved two of each magnet!

Posted by MCNwakeboard in United Kingdom, 13 Oct 2010 17:06

@skullsndogbones I agree. My local Borders had the new HP sets and some Star Wars ships, all overpriced but the coupon usually brings it down to a decent discount. They were also selling the City Advent Calandar for $40 which brings it down to about $27.

The most recent coupon is for 33% off but is only good through the 14th.

http://www.bordersmedia.com/coup/20101012item33.html

Posted by starfire2 in United States, 13 Oct 2010 17:32

@pandax: no, no long wait. We actually didn't get there until 4pm because I had to work that day. We still got a scratcher. I was hoping for the $500 prize though. It was my birthday that day but sadly no luck.
I am going to wait till day 2 of Arrowhead's grand opening of the Legostore. That way we can get the free Lego set. I already know what I want so as soon as they open we are going to grab the items and go check out, then the kids can do the master build.

Posted by Huw in United Kingdom, 13 Oct 2010 17:37

@Ulli: "Earn 1 point for every £1 you spend and for every 100 points we’ll give you £5 to spend on more sets", from http://shop.lego.com/Vip2/Default.aspx, which according to my calculator is 5% :-)

Posted by starfire2 in United States, 13 Oct 2010 17:52

But in October you get double points so that would aquait to 2 points for every 1 you spend (100 set is normally 100 points but in October it will be 200 points) or 10%.

Posted by roar15 in United States, 13 Oct 2010 18:07

@brccoins - Same thing happened to me. Put my order in on Sunday the 3rd, $109 total, everything came up saying it was eligible for the magnet. It never showed up in my cart but at the time I thought they would just include it later.... On Tuesday I placed another order after finding out about the 20% off code, that time the magnet automatically got added to my cart. When I call to complain that the magnet didn't show up with the rest of my stuff, the "helpful" customer service lady told me that it must have been because they were out of stock.... I told her I didn't see how that could be since I had placed the order on Sunday the 1st day of the promotion and that they were still in stock when I placed a second order 2 days later. I asked if they would send me the week 2 magnet since there system had screwed up and not added the magnet to my cart with my 1st order and she just said she would make a note on my account but couldn't promise anything. I'm sure that equates to "No".....

Posted by yellowcastle in United States, 13 Oct 2010 18:43

@MCN - For Black Friday, my wife and I usually pick out a medium set each and stand in different lines. If either of us get a scratcher worth more than 10%, then we just ask the cashier if we can look around some more. They've always said yes. And if we just end up with 10% scratchers, we simply purchase our medium sets and are then off to visit other sales. As for the crowds, there are usually a lot of people but not much the way in lines except for checkout. But they always have plenty of staff. And as for the scratchers, they have always seemed to have enough througout the day.

@Starfire - The Lego Halloween bags available for the TRU promotion are now out of stock online. :o( It looks like they were only applying the orange bag to the promotion as the yellow one still shows up in stock. But the Cavalry Officer is still available so that for me is the better deal anyway.

Posted by starfire2 in United States, 13 Oct 2010 18:54

I like the Bricktober figures but don't want to spend $20 minimum for each. Lego has siphoned me enough this month let alone this year with all the Star Wars sets, now Harry Potter. I like the Calvalry officer the best too. I will officially be wiped after the Lego store opens near me.

Posted by yys4u in United States, 14 Oct 2010 00:20

I always miss all these promotional deals!! How do you people find out about these???

Are these magnets only available online or is it valid in stores too? If so, any special instructions on getting them, like informing the cashier or customer service first to see if its in stock?

And final question, anyone know where to get the first magnet, the imperial soldier? I'm pretty sure the answer is gonna be ebay or bricklink if they are up yet...

Posted by xena6296 in United States, 14 Oct 2010 00:43

I made three online purchases from TRU in the past ten days, however, no luck of getting the bricktober figure:(

Posted by ceroknight in Canada, 14 Oct 2010 00:49

the monthly build is on LEGO.com: http://shop.lego.com/promotion/Default.aspx?Minibuilds&CMP=EMC-SH2010JulyNLCAv1&HQS=

Posted by Uno Brick in United States, 14 Oct 2010 00:54

Does anyone know if the LEGO Halloween bags have any contents included, or is it just the container itself? I haven't been able to find any info on this.

Posted by c.lee.r in United States, 14 Oct 2010 02:15

halloween bag just by its self. got one an hour ago. also got the calvery mini. missed the first one and all sold out, going to try a few more stores. 20 dollars got me the bag and the mini great deal.

Posted by yellowcastle in United States, 14 Oct 2010 09:10

@starfire2 - This has definitely been an expensive month for some of us. With last week's great online sale, I now have my first R/C train (cargo) and a ton of tracks, road plates, and power functions components. I think my wife has put me in the penalty box until Black Friday. Of course, the Black Falcon retro minifigure is just over a week away... :o)

@yys4u - I can't speak for the rest of the Lego community, but I have no great secret sources for Lego deals. I simply receive the Sunday advertisements on Friday morning and if I find any promotion, I try to get it up on Brickset as soon as possible. :o) The magnets are available online and in-store, though quantities can be limited. As far as "instructions on how to get them", I would simply recommend what I recommend anytime there's a promotion like this. When you first walk into TRU, go right to the checkout lines and/or customer service and make sure they have the giveaway items. If no luck, find another TRU. For purchases online, the minifigure will simply be added to your cart once you've passed the $20 threshold. There was a problem earlier in the week in that the bag would be added to your cart but not the minifigure. It turns out that TRU online was only giving you one free item per order and the bag was the first to be added. But if you removed the bag, then a minifigure would be added to your cart. It's mostly moot now, though, as the bags are out of stock. And yes, Bricklink, Ebay, or a Trade are probably your best bet for a week 1 figure. But to me, the Bluecoat looks mostly the same as the soldiers from the new Pirates line so I've been more excited about the Cavalry Officer.

@Uno Brick - The bags are empty, nylon-ish, and loose (i.e. not in any sort of package). I actually think they're kinda cool, but I have yet to find any function for mine. :o)

Posted by brccoins in United States, 14 Oct 2010 12:11

@roar15 - I tried to get them to send me the week 2 magnet as well but they wouldn't. I raised a big enough deal about it that I got them to credit $10 back to my credit card though.

Posted by Wagnerml2 in United States, 14 Oct 2010 12:15

Just came from my TRU in Fairview Height, IL USA and picked up the calvary figure and the advent calander. The Lego Rep was there putting out product. She told me that next week at TRU all non SW and HP sets will be buy one get one 1/2 off. The week after that, all SW sets will be at least 10% off with select sets being 25% off. At least some deals for week 3 and 4 of Bricktober!

Posted by collectormom in United States, 14 Oct 2010 12:38

@Uno Brick: I think the bags are meant to be a candy bucket for Halloween. This is the description from the TRU website

" Product Description
Make trick-or-treating this Halloween fun and spooky with a LEGO Minifigure Halloween Bucket. Choose from three different Minifigure characters. The open bucket with a webbing carry handle makes it easy to haul treats. 360 degree reflectivity increases visibility of little ghouls and goblins. The clear EVA tarpaulin base protects contents from getting wet if the bucket is placed on the ground or sidewalk. Use the D-ring on the side to attach a clip-on flashlight or glow stick (flashlight and glow stick are not included).

After all the treats are gone, use the bucket for storage of your favorite LEGO toys throughout the year."

Posted by c.lee.r in United States, 14 Oct 2010 14:53

@uno Brick: there are 3 empty bags for halloween candy that you can get .
normaly they would cost you 7.99
orange with scary face
black with a pumpkin
yellow with a skeleton head
Link: http://s7d5.scene7.com/s7ondemand/zoom/flasht_zoom.jsp?&company=ToysRUsGSI&config=defaultZoom&zoomwidth=500&zoomheight=558&sku=p7998683

Posted by Crt2 in United States, 14 Oct 2010 17:02

Funny, My Mom Just Got Me Claw Catcher and Fire Blaster for my B-Day. So I Got The Calvary Colonel. :) Though I Do Perfer The Imperial, I Quite Like This One too. :0

Posted by cara in United States, 14 Oct 2010 17:35

After all my TRU problems (and since our TRU doesn't have any magnets left) I ended up going to Walmart where the PoP sets are all on clearance. So I picked up Fight for the Dagger for $21 and the Ostrich race for $15. Shame I already have two of the little set because that is down to $7. The big grey gauntlet style set I was told was $40 - though there were none left, and the Battle of Alamut was $59.

Posted by Captain Blockbeard in United States, 14 Oct 2010 18:49

For those who receive emails from TRU, I just got one today (Thursday, October 14) with a coupon for 20% off any single regular priced item, in-store only. It's good from 10/15 to 10/17. So, be on the lookout for that.

@cara - That's interesting. I just checked Walmart's website, but they don't show the clearance prices online. I'll have to check my local Walmarts as soon as possible.

In that November Lego Store brochure, what exactly is the pick-a-brick box that customers receive when purchasing more than $75? Is it a randomly pre-filled box with pieces from the pick-a-brick wall? Or is it an empty box which customers may then fill themselves from the pick-a-brick wall?

Posted by R4-G9 in Canada, 14 Oct 2010 18:51

i don't know, but i think that you get it and fill it on your on, but the catch is you can get it from , dec. 26 - march 31

Posted by Uno Brick in United States, 14 Oct 2010 19:43

Thanks, c.lee.r, collectormom, and yellowcastle.
Frankly, I'm not interested for this week's Bricktober considering how there are no major sales, and the minifig is lower quality plastic.

@Captain Blockbeard: the PAB box, they claim, is the equivalent of a small PAB cup ($7.99), and is used for the pick a brick wall. Beginning December 25th(or it was around that date) you can go to the store to fill up your PAB box for free. I remember that last year the promotion ended on March 31st. However, you need to receive the box first, and you may not fill it the day you get it. You also need to purchase it before Dec 23rd. Hope that helps! :)

Posted by LEGOCityManiac11 in United States, 14 Oct 2010 20:09

I got the Imperial Soldier magnet in the first week of October.

Posted by cara in United States, 14 Oct 2010 21:39

We had one of those boxes last year, the nice thing about it was that its a rectangle. So I spent a happy hour fitting all my pick a brick together then dropping it inside.

Posted by Captain Blockbeard in United States, 14 Oct 2010 21:55

Ah! I wondered if that's how it worked. It's shame they have that time range of December 25 to March because although I may get the pick-a-brick box next month, I won't be able to use it since I tend to only visit my nearest Lego Store once a year during the Christmas shopping season.

Posted by AZFIREWOLF in United States, 14 Oct 2010 22:34

Hey guys, TRU just sent an email out to all rewards members. $5 off all Lego purchases over $50. Not a great savings, but it is something.

Posted by c.lee.r in United States, 15 Oct 2010 05:48

had a great day out looking for Lego at toys r us in my area. found 1 store with week ones magnet and got 2 more of this weeks. also found a toy story alien poly bag set. one of the stores was nice to even give me the complete set of key chains from the Lego harry potter http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4635103016_3cf78defe9_o.jpg
also was able to get 3 more Halloween bags 1 of each now plus an extra black one. found 11 Spartans, 5 Mexicans and 10 Pharaohs. wonder what nest week will bring. My Lego store had no more series 2 minifigs though.

Posted by bmwlego in United States, 15 Oct 2010 21:46

My local TRU is awesome! I can name 4 people who are extremely friendly and who know me as a regular customer who is a LEGO fanatic. I have the same gripes concerning pricing at my and any TRU but the employees who I encounter on my regular shopping trips to TRU are helpful, friendly and willing to go the extra mile to help me out.

I was at TRU today and was SHOCKED, absolutely SHOCKED to see that Series 2 minifigs were $4.99! Are you kidding me? If people are willing to pay 250% more than retail for the item in a retail setting than I am worried about how much these figs are going to be come Series 3 and up.

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