Home› Buying & Selling Topics
Shopping at LEGO or Amazon?
Please use our links: LEGO.com • Amazon
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

New Brand Store in Sheffield, UK

124

Comments

  • drdavewatforddrdavewatford Administrator Posts: 6,755
    sfaokay said:

    Hi just to say would it have killed those in the know to have said that afol open hour was by invite only! I wasnt the only one who would have not wasted their time.

    Were you turned away ?! Really sorry to hear it if that's the case. It's only invite only in so far as you have to be an adult... What happened ?
  • historymanhistoryman Member Posts: 377
    I was only asked how I had heard about the event so when I said brickset they gave me my wristband and let me in. I loved getting my goodies at discounted price. Now for a weekend of building!!!
  • TheBrickLaddTheBrickLadd Member Posts: 844
    I manage to get the bits I wanted plus some extras. I actually got my wife a little excited by Lego! Hopefully I have finally turned her! :) whoop.

    Was nice to meet you @TyoSolo. :)
  • krank1973krank1973 Member Posts: 17
    Just Got home - Well worth a 140 mile round trip - £400+ worth of Lego unpacked - Which set first??

    Town Hall, Pet Shop or Haunted House?? Decisions Decisions.......

    (Only 10 haunted houses in stoe - all gone in the first 5 minutes!!)

    Andy
  • mcvitiemcvitie Member Posts: 292
    invite only? I didnt get 'invited'
  • sfaokaysfaokay Member Posts: 10
    They just said it was by invite only. The staff (Danny)didnt ask how i heard just gave me and all those in the queue a silver band. This got us ten percent discount but we were told all the invite people would be another half an hour in the shop.i think they just filled. The shop with whoever they thought they could serve in an hour and then made up the rules later. I had to go because i didnt have time to wait forty minutes until nine plus time to pay. It was ridiculous what some people were buying
  • krank1973krank1973 Member Posts: 17
    @sfaokay

    I thought the first 300 got gold wristbands (I did) unfortunately you must have been above this number??

    Andy
  • sfaokaysfaokay Member Posts: 10
    Oh and they werent interested in a vip card. They also told another guy in the queue that for those who heard of the early hour via none official sources that'lego cant control false information on the internet'
  • sfaokaysfaokay Member Posts: 10
    No way had 300people been given wrist bands and left by 8.20
  • drdavewatforddrdavewatford Administrator Posts: 6,755
    sfaokay said:

    They just said it was by invite only. The staff (Danny)didnt ask how i heard just gave me and all those in the queue a silver band. This got us ten percent discount.....[SNIP]

    No idea what that was about....the AFOL discount was 15%, so why you got a different coloured wristband and were offered only 10% beats me. Even so, you decided to leave. You weren't turned away. So your choice. You are an adult, right....?

  • sfaokaysfaokay Member Posts: 10
    Hang on a minute i say this because i only had a certain time frame to work from based around information given on websites such as this one. What was meant to happen didnt andthe reason i was give made out that you had to be 'in on the secret'
  • bricksanbricksan Member Posts: 566
    The AFOL hour is for any AFOL, when I was there they only gave the wristbands because meadowhall management wanted normal customers to go in early so gave gold wristbands to AFOLS so they got their 15% for the full hour even if they had to let the general public in early.
  • drdavewatforddrdavewatford Administrator Posts: 6,755
    edited September 2012
    sfaokay said:

    What was meant to happen didnt andthe reason i was give made out that you had to be 'in on the secret'

    There wasn't a 'secret', over and above the information shared on here....

  • SirKevbagsSirKevbags Member Posts: 4,027
    Having both of these events at the same time was always going to cause some confusion. Having attended Manchester and Sheffield I would say the later was a vast improvement on the former.

    I arrived just before 8am. There were two ques. One for AFOL day if you were one and were obviously aware. One for general public for when AFOL hour finished at 9am. I was asked how I was aware. Replied with Brickish and that was that. In I wandered. Wristbands were marked to stop double dipping on the store set. To be honest compared to Manchester it was an absolute breeze.
  • sfaokaysfaokay Member Posts: 10
    I am an adult fan of lego i was there at 8.20. There was a queue inside the shop withgold bands and everyone else was kept outside the shop and given silver. There was no where near 300 people in store. I was not the only one who shared this experience. Bluemoose made a clear post on the other board that said who the.early hour was for but this came after i went. He points out exactly what i needed to know but just too late. my point is that it wasnt as straight forward for me as it was for others.
  • SirKevbagsSirKevbags Member Posts: 4,027
    I can't comment on the gold wrist bands being limited. Just to point out though that just because there were not 300 in the store at 8:20 doesn't mean 300 had not been given out. Lots of people would have been and gone by 8:20.
  • hantothantot Member Posts: 284
    well just got back, arrived at 7:20 to find two queues, one for the adults and one for kids for the general opening. Meadowhall security then kicked off saying we couldnt queue so they went down the queue asking why we were queuing and what for, so mentioned the AFOL and finding out on "online forums" which seemed to be enough and got the gold band. By the time it was 8am there were a number of kids in the AFOL queue (and let in) so it wasn't by "invite only" but was clearly a bit mis-managed as by the time it was 8:15 other people were turning up but saw a few turned away and told to queue with the masses.

    Feel sorry for the people who missed out but this and grand opening on same weekend was asking for trouble, chatted to a few people who had come all the way from Dover! Got Hoth Echo base and the wife got me Death Star for Christmas so have to wait for that one!

    Least tomorrow should be a bit more straightforward.
  • LegoboyLegoboy Member Posts: 8,827
    By 10am, Sheffield took £14k.
  • augenaugen Member Posts: 317
    I arrived at about 8:20am and just asked if I could go in as an AFOL and they gave me the gold wristband.

    I even forgot to hand over my VIP card at the till for my points, but fortunately the nice girl asked me if I had one.

    Just have to remember to set my alarm properly tomorrow now so that I don't have a last minute rush again.

    Does anyone know what time the store opens tomorrow?
  • hantothantot Member Posts: 284
    ^ 11am
  • TyoSoloTyoSolo Member Posts: 539
    It was a bit disorganised, but I think the staff did a good job considering they didn't know what to expect, especially making sure people only had 5 of any one thing. The HH stock was laughable. Kind of glad it sold out so quickly really, saved me some money.

    It's a shame you didn't stick around a bit longer @teamladd, a few of us went for an impromptu breakfast afterwards.

    It's occurred to me @savage_steel that I didn't show you those sponges for removing print. These are them anyway:
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sponge-Stain-Eraser-Removes-laminate/dp/B001V0MEBG/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1346498613&sr=8-8
    There are a few different brands but they all do the same thing.
  • messymessy Member Posts: 253
    Half a tank of diesel, 4 hours of driving, £200 spent in seconds! Felt a bit wierd buying advent calendars in September but needed the Friends one to bribe the Mrs that it was worth all the effort to get the LEGO Brand Retail Store!
  • mcvitiemcvitie Member Posts: 292
    edited September 2012
    That's dedication, I don't think I could have done that! I had all getting there for 7.30 and I only live down the road. Totally worth it for the shop - it's delightful! Just need the yellow LEGO truck to display next to it delivering stock
  • MinifigsMeMinifigsMe Member Posts: 2,844
    Sorry to hear people had problems. I feel really lucky now. I messed up the timing (and then had a mad rush to remake 'meathook' minifig for @tyosolo this morning. But they just let me squeeze in for AFOL hour.
    So nice to see everyone. In store it was a bit rushed as we were late and jsut had to grab what we wanted, but we got the TH. Sounds like I would have missed HH either way, so I'm no too fussed to have missed it.
    Was lovely to have a proper chat at breakfast though. Could stayed all day and picked your brains re the minifig business.
    I think I'll go back tomorrow as there's a few more bits I want, and 10% isnt' to be sniffed at.
    Thanks for the sponge link @tyosolo - was going to ask you! I really hope it works!! :)
    Now back to the minifigs. Sigh!
  • TheBrickLaddTheBrickLadd Member Posts: 844
    @TyoSolo, that's a shame as I could of joined you guys as I was dragged around ladies shops with my wife and sister in law for best part of an hour :(

    I'm glad they didn't have HH either of I think I would of bought it!
  • morezonemorezone Member Posts: 207
    I was in 2 minds as to whether the journey for the mini shop was worth it. Decided against like I did with the Manchester store even though I live in Manchester.
    Dropped the little one and wife off at the Trafford Centre so she could take him to the soft play and went to LDC for their 20% off for annual pass holders event instead. Bought the SSD even though their was major box wear but since I was going to open it one day, I didn't care. Picked up a few other bits for holding on to and reselling at a later stage as well.
  • legonut80legonut80 Member Posts: 314
    I found it strange walking in there while everything was closed. It was good, even if it was a little crazy. I got Pet Shop and some series 8.
    I would of liked to of stopped to say hello, but I had left Phil and the children in the car. I might have to bring everyone out with me tomorrow, the children wasn't too happy when they saw that I'd been in the Lego shop without them. My son also wants to spend his Birthday money.
  • richoricho Member Posts: 3,830
    Was great meeting everybody (and then again @savage_steel to get a view on running a business from my dad!)
    Was ram ram busy all morning until I left. I think @atkinsar and me got the last two haunted houses. Izzie made the free zombie car over breakfast. It's a fab little poly.
    I also spoke to staff when went in for a second time later, and at midday they had already broken there best ever day record. Made me wonder what some of the other shops must think, as the tills were ringing off the desks.
    Also picked up friends advent and minecraft, which is deceptively small.
    Rich
  • richard_poole_42richard_poole_42 Member Posts: 1
    Clearly the two staff managing the queue were making the rules up as they went along - I was also sent to wait in the queue, having arrived at about five past eight. They kept referring to "the event" as if there was a meeting of a secret society happening in there (is there an equivalent of AA for lego?).

    Extremely frustrating experience having started early to get there and turned up with the intention of spending £400 or so. I do not feel like a valued customer!
  • sfaokaysfaokay Member Posts: 10
    Finally someone who had the same trouble i did. I didnt like being made to feel like a second class adult fan. It should have been fair to everyone there between 8 and 9 and it wasnt.
  • richoricho Member Posts: 3,830
    ^ in fairness, I thought the staff were great, and they were clearly under a lot of pressure.

    I witnessed one of the shopping center security personnel really giving an employee a hard time about the queue stretching across the walkway. In my view the alleged hazard it was causing wasn't valid, as it was 7.45am and the only people there were actually the ones in the queue.
  • TheBrickLaddTheBrickLadd Member Posts: 844
    When I walked past on my way home at around 10.30 the que was huge and they had open a fire exit and had them all quing down there. Probably the best to stop any problems.
  • TyoSoloTyoSolo Member Posts: 539
    edited September 2012
    ^^ Agreed. I don't think they were quite ready for the joint Grand Opening/AFOL event. I didn't have any problems. I walked in, was told I needed to queue, I told them I was there for the AFOL event, they gave me a gold wristband and told me that the genpop would be joining us early, and to enjoy my visit. I was in within 1 minute, picked up my MMV and queued for the till.

    It did take a further 30 mins to get to the front of the queue for the till though.
  • bricksanbricksan Member Posts: 566
    my little write up of the hour this morning: an understatement: http://brickfanatics.co.uk/afol-day-in-sheffield/
  • historymanhistoryman Member Posts: 377
    I enjoyed the experience of being in the shop surrounded by genuine fans. I went for the discount, not the free store set. Consequently I have a store set which isn't of great use to me, anyone interested in doing a swap?
  • atkinsaratkinsar Member Posts: 4,258
    It was a great morning, glad I got there before 8 though before it got really busy. Picked up the Haunted House, boy they went fast, I got the very last one. Also got a few other smaller exclusives and some stuff for other Bricksetters.

    Lovely meeting up with @savage_steel & Nick, @bricksan, @richo, @TyoSolo and @kevbags and great to complete a few trades. Cheers guys and hope to see you all again soon!

    Sorry to hear about those having issues getting in, there's no secret conspiracy, it just sounds like a staff error and it's very unfortunate. I found the staff to be great, especially under that pressure. I have to say, even though i benefitted from it greatly, I think it was a mistake to hold the AFOL discount day on the same day as the grand opening event, it was bound to cause a few issues
  • LostInTranslationLostInTranslation Member Posts: 5,572
    @historyman - what are you after for it? :-)
  • bricksanbricksan Member Posts: 566
    Was get to talk to you again @atkinsar and yes the afol day on the same day was a mistake but I doubt it will happen again.
  • historymanhistoryman Member Posts: 377
    LostInTranslation said:

    @historyman - what are you after for it? :-)

    Erm... Not too sure really. I'm relatively new to my Lego reintroduction so haven't really looked into all the different sets out there.

  • SilentModeSilentMode Member Posts: 586
    Does anyone know what tomorrow's giveaway is? (and would someone be willing to get hold of one for me?)
  • TyoSoloTyoSolo Member Posts: 539
    edited September 2012
    @SilentMode My wife is coming along tomorrow, so I could potentially pick up 2, but I'm not intending on buying anything else. Is there anything you want for £25 + P&P? I won't get there until gone 9, but I'm happy to pick one up if you're happy to buy some goods to the value required.

    Not sure what it is yet.
  • SilentModeSilentMode Member Posts: 586
    @TyoSolo If they have any grab bags that would be great, otherwise I'll go for another Friends advent calendar and three (random) S8 figures. Will Paypal do?
  • TyoSoloTyoSolo Member Posts: 539
    ^No grab bags at Sheffield yet. I'll keep my eye out though. I'll definitely pick up a calendar and some S8 figs though. Taken to PM.
  • augenaugen Member Posts: 317
    I spoke to one of the staff on the way back to my car and she told me that they open at 10am tomorrow.

    Are there any exclusives that I can buy for just over £25? Wiped out my bank account buying the death star.
  • RainbowConnectionRainbowConnection Member Posts: 58
    If there are minifigure sets available as a free gift, would anyone be willing to pick me up a Sungnyemun or a Big Ben and a couple of series 8 minifigures? I'd really appreciate it, thanks.
  • veritas313veritas313 Member Posts: 80
    I travelled from Norwich today with my other half - and am fortunate enough to say I had no problem in getting in. We joined the queue at 7.50am (after leaving at 5) and was promptly asked how we'd heard about the event? After I'd mentioned brickset we both got our gold bands. As soon as they let us in it was clearly busy and I saw everyone making a beeline for the HH sets. I reckon there were about 7 or 8 sets out and as I got to the stand there were 2 left - so I just let others go ahead of me - thinking they'd have loads out the back left!! I went and asked for another and the kind attentive chinese girl promptly bought me one from the back and I added that to all of the other monster fighters sets available, which I'd made the trip for along with the store exclusive set. I think I saw a few more put out but there was clearly not enough to go round!! It was only when I returned home and looked at Brickset I realised how lucky I'd been - albeit a bit naive in "hoping I'd get one as they'd have plenty". So it was worth the 280 mile round trip for me today and am grateful to the staff who must have had a really tough day today.

    Thankyou to you all - and Brickset for all the updates and info

  • blade_guyblade_guy Member Posts: 220
    They opened up at 10am this morning - extended trading due to Olympics. Got two sets of the minifigures if anyone interested in swapping one for the mini store model from yesterday? Haven't worked out what they represent yet - they're actually in the boot as my partner is driving us home. Not too busy actually - had the postcard for the free tie-fighter but they'd run out.

    - Chris A
  • TyoSoloTyoSolo Member Posts: 539
    They were out of stock on advent calendars, minecraft and chess sets. Gutted. I had to settle for a VW camper instead. :-)
  • blade_guyblade_guy Member Posts: 220
    Looking at the minifigures, one may be a link to Helen Sharman - space themed jumper, holding a camera, wearing goggles... Anyone else got them and knows any more about them?
  • TyoSoloTyoSolo Member Posts: 539
    Here they are:
    Sheffield Grand Opening minifigures

    @Huw - feel free to use if required
Sign In or Register to comment.

Shopping at LEGO.com or Amazon?

Please use our links: LEGO.com • Amazon

Recent discussions • Categories • Privacy Policy • Brickset.com

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.

Sign In Register

Categories

Brickset.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, the Amazon.com.ca, Inc. Associates Program and the Amazon EU Associates Programme, which are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.