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Going to New York soon - anything to look out for?

BooTheMightyHamsterBooTheMightyHamster Member Posts: 1,533
in Shopping USA/Canada
Hi all,

Mrs Boo & I have a week away in New York soon, and I was just wondering if there was anything worth looking out for while we're there. Can't bring any large sets home obviously, but are there any exclusive little Lego-y things that you can get there that we won't get back in the UK?

Indeed, where are the Lego stores in NY?

Cheers!
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Comments

  • cheshirecatcheshirecat Member Posts: 5,331
    Nice - I love NY, one of my favourite places. Why can't you bring any large sets home? In all my trips to the US I've never once been stopped by customs on the way in, or is it just because the wife is with you!
  • SupersympaSupersympa Member Posts: 534
    in my past experience, you have 3 stores to visit:
    Lego store in rockfeller center
    TRU on time square
    FAO Schwarz on south east corner of central park.

    you can walk between them, and they are in "touristic" areas.

    I will be there myself last week of october ;)
  • bluedragonbluedragon Member Posts: 506
    There is another Lego store in Queens and if you are here on the weekend of Oct 10, you can catch the opening of the Flatiron district Lego store. There are some NY-specific little sets /key rings.
  • BooTheMightyHamsterBooTheMightyHamster Member Posts: 1,533
    Awesome! Depending on timings, might be able to make the Flatiron thing!
    Thanks.
  • GIR3691GIR3691 Member Posts: 674
    New York has a few exclusive goodies. Some are still around, others have been retired. I've only seen #40026 and #40025 at TRU Times Square as of the last time I was there (January?), but any of the following may be at the Rockefeller LEGO Store.

    #40026 Liberty Polybag
    #850497 Liberty Magnet
    #40025 New York Taxi Polybag
    #853309: New York Key Chain
    #853317: I (love) NY Figure Magnet
  • ShibShib Member Posts: 5,469
    Its not Lego but if you see any of this

    image

    buy it, it is amazing. I have some american friends who always buy it for me because its amazing and they are awesome like that!
    nychromastonedragwitmarkarm919
  • richlrichl Member Posts: 246
    edited September 2014
    bluedragon said:

    There is another Lego store in Queens and if you are here on the weekend of Oct 10, you can catch the opening of the Flatiron district Lego store. There are some NY-specific little sets /key rings.

    Is that confirmed? They're opening the week of NYCC? Seems counterintuitive.
  • richlrichl Member Posts: 246
    Never mind...this throws my plans for that weekend into complete disarray!
    http://stores.lego.com/en-us/stores/us/flatiron-district
  • brickupdatebrickupdate Member Posts: 1,020
    It's worth noting that the Toys R Us and FAO Schwarz are GROSSLY overpriced. They have huge rents to pay, so you pay a big premium for LEGO in both stores. That said, their displays are really something to behold. Toys R Us has a lot of big custom buildings. FAO has lifesized models such as Batman, Statue of Liberty, etc. The LEGO Store itself in Rockefeller Center is a tiny bit more expensive than outside the city, but they usually have a great selection and are super friendly. Their pick-a-brick wall is usually pretty good too. And as someone else mentioned above, there are usually some NYC exclusives.

    If you want a preview, here are photos from my visit to the FAO Schwarz store from April: http://brickupdate.com/lego-at-fao-schwarz-spring-2014/

    And here is a visit to the Toys R Us back in 2012:
    http://brickupdate.com/lego-at-toys-r-us-times-square-new-york-city/
  • bluedragonbluedragon Member Posts: 506
    The Lego store at Rockefeller is 10% more expensive than [email protected] If I'm not in a hurry I go to the one in Queens.
  • nychromastonenychromastone Member Posts: 163
    edited September 2014
    LEGO [email protected] Center

    #40026 Statue of Liberty poly was available last week but has since sold out. the "I BRICK NY" printed items will no longer be available and we have our lovely I LOVE NY tourism group to thank for that.
  • LegobrandonCPLegobrandonCP Member Posts: 1,917
    nychromastone said:

    the "I BRICK NY" printed items will no longer be available and we have our lovely I LOVE NY tourism group to thank for that.

    Any details on this? Were there too many tourists buying these things so they decided to stop printing them?
  • nychromastonenychromastone Member Posts: 163
    i believe it's a licensing/trademark issue. the I BRICK NY print is infringing upon
    the I LOVE NY brand. i guess LEGO never considered applying for the license and
    the returns on the merchandise were too significant for the tourism group to overlook.
    as LEGO will probably not view this as a lost opportunity, the chances of the
    I BRICK NY merchandise making a return are slim to none.
  • MugenPowerMugenPower Member Posts: 633
    nychromastone said:

    LEGO [email protected] Center

    #40026 Statue of Liberty poly was available last week but has since sold out. the "I BRICK NY" printed items will no longer be available and we have our lovely I LOVE NY tourism group to thank for that.

    Wow, really??? I was debating getting it ~2 weeks ago but didn't. Have been thinking about picking it up if I was in the area again!
  • bmwlegobmwlego Member Posts: 819
    The LEGO Store in Queens sells at retail, has amazing employees and you could check out our LUG Showcase (ILUGNY) while you're there. In all seriousness though, the Queens LEGO Store is top notch. Rockefeller has great employees as well but the 10% markup is annoying.
    nychromastone
  • cheshirecatcheshirecat Member Posts: 5,331
    Although to someone visiting from the UK a 10% markup will still feel like a 20% reduction!
    CoraHarrisonnychromastone
  • Renegade007cjhRenegade007cjh Member Posts: 696
    edited September 2014
    I was after an "I Love / Brick NY" figure but never managed to secure a trade (am in the UK); if anyone manages to acquire one that's surplus to their requirements, please let me know.

    Enjoy your visit Boo!
  • BooTheMightyHamsterBooTheMightyHamster Member Posts: 1,533
    Thanks for all the comments! Will definitely be popping in to the Flatiron store - will get to Queens if poss.
  • CoraHarrisonCoraHarrison Member Posts: 242
    BooTheMightyHamster said:

    Thanks for all the comments! Will definitely be popping in to the Flatiron store - will get to Queens if poss.

    Thanks Boo I myself am heading to NYC with the OH (Who doesn't know yet massive Christmas present) and because of this I think it gives me fair rights to visit all the Lego shops in the district :D
    nychromastone
  • CoraHarrisonCoraHarrison Member Posts: 242
    BooTheMightyHamster said:

    Went to the Flatiron store this morning. There's a four day building event going on in Madison Square Park just outside, where youngsters get to build 'large' bricks out of regular bricks, and over the four days, they're going to build a 20 foot high Statue of Liberty. I took some photos, so will put them up on Flickr later.

    The store is doing a four day giveaway:

    Today : T-shirt
    Saturday : Model Brand Store
    Sunday : Minifig set
    Monday : Micro Statue of Liberty model

    I already have a Brand Store from the Watford opening, and the t-shirts are all a bit on the small side, so what I really wanted was the minifigs, but sadly we fly home on Saturday afternoon.

    I had a chat with the manager, and obviously he couldn't give one of the minifig sets away a couple of days early, so obviously I didn't go in today and buy a White House model, and obviously he didn't nip out the back, grab a minifig set and let me have it.
    Because that would obviously be wrong.
    So that didn't happen.
    Not at all.
    :o)

    Did nip back later and pick up a Trevi Fountain, so got a t-shirt. It won't fit me, so I'll either hang on to it for the Fairy Bricks raffle next year, or I'll send it to @Huw‌ to use as a giveaway.

    I love New York!

    Saw someone else post on FB about the building of the SoL, along with all the opening gifts for the new store, gutted I wont be going until January so miss out on that, on the other hand I am hoping to take advantage of the NYC sales on Lego and of course other items... On the other hand probably just Lego lol.

    Thanks for the update!!
  • BrikingBriking Member Posts: 768
    ^^ I love reading about things that didn't happen. Must be Lego fiction ;-)
    LegoKipnychromastoneStormKitty
  • bmwlegobmwlego Member Posts: 819
    edited October 2014
    No mention of Queens by Boo. Again, anyone traveling to NYC, you should make it a point to shop at the Queens LEGO Store as well because they don't mark up anything and the employees are top notch. Don't forget to head out to Queens when in NYC.

    No I don't work there...I've been shopping there for over 4 years and I can honestly say that this store treats customers the right way. Once my friends shop at this store it quickly becomes their store of preference as well.
    bluedragon
  • BooTheMightyHamsterBooTheMightyHamster Member Posts: 1,533
    Had quite a lot to pack in to a week, and I'm afraid we just didn't get as far as Queens, @bmwlego‌ - it's on the 'must do' list for next time!!
    :o)
  • LegoLego Member Posts: 62
    What did the minifig set look like?
  • BooTheMightyHamsterBooTheMightyHamster Member Posts: 1,533
    Pics of the Minifig set and the Day 1 T-shirt.

    Photos aren't great - will redo them soon.
    Lego
  • LegoLego Member Posts: 62
    Why include a farmer?
  • nychromastonenychromastone Member Posts: 163
    BTMH - did you find the statue of liberty poly?
  • BooTheMightyHamsterBooTheMightyHamster Member Posts: 1,533
    Nope - that was a giveaway on the Monday, and we'd left the US by then. It was on the posters that were up on the doors though, publicising the opening weekend, and I have to say I wasn't impressed. More of a green blob on a grey blob.
  • StormKittyStormKitty Member Posts: 268
    ^^ I got my Statue of Liberty and NYC Taxi polys one year in the Times Square TRU store, it's worth checking in there too as well as the brand stores.
  • nychromastonenychromastone Member Posts: 163
    i guess if you weren't too impressed by them, then it was no big loss. the Rock Center Store
    had them available for regular purchase.
  • margotmargot Member Posts: 2,308
    Is this the I brick NY stuff that is no longer? If so, that stinks. I got mine just last April.I hope it comes back.

    jeremy1973
  • nychromastonenychromastone Member Posts: 163
    ^yes, those are the ones. i will definitely post an update if they ever come back
    but don't hold your breath.
  • margotmargot Member Posts: 2,308
    Pretty sure I bought some spares. They might have to go in the Fairy Brick raffle this year.
    nychromastone
  • SupersympaSupersympa Member Posts: 534
    I will be in NYC next week, Will update you if I see anything special there.
  • pansyppansyp Member Posts: 93
    I just picked up the I brick NY magnet kid #853317 and Statue of Liberty #850497 magnets at the Rockefeller Center store over the weekend.  The I brick NY kid was on clearance for $2.48. Lady Liberty was full price, $4.49, I think?  Rockefeller center also had Status of Liberty polybag #40026.  Too ugly, I couldn't do it. 
  • BooTheMightyHamsterBooTheMightyHamster Member Posts: 1,533
    We had such a great time in NYC for Mrs Boo's birthday last year, that we're going back again this October.

    Will definitely try and get to the Lego Store at Queens this time round.
  • nychromastonenychromastone Member Posts: 163
    Times Square TRU has had a great run but it will soon be closing it's doors for good. i believe the last day will be December 30th. if you're planning a visit to NYC then make sure you take a final stroll through one of the last amazing toy stores around.

    btw, i have an extra Lightning Lad Minifigure Gift set that i would be glad to pass on to you for cost if you're visiting from outside of the US. let me know when you'll be in NYC and it will be on hold for you.


    bendybadgerkiki180703MrJ_NY
  • legogallegogal Member Posts: 754
    Def will try to hit Times Square TRU before I leave the area next Monday along with Rock Center LEGO store. And WILL visit Queens store because I am staying there. Thanks for the helpful advice!
  • ChubblesChubbles Member Posts: 459
    Rock Center has some cool models but the store is pretty small and be prepared for the 10% markup on everything.
  • bmwlegobmwlego Member Posts: 819
    @legogal
    Glad to hear that you will be shopping at Queens when you come to NY. I said it two years ago in this same thread. The Queens LEGO Store is just awesome from the manager on down through the staff. I've been shopping there since the beginning of this store's existence (going on 5.5 years now) and thankfully the experience there is always top notch.
    When you're there take a look at I LUG NY's LUG Showcase model. It is in the last showcase on the left hand side of the store!
  • legogallegogal Member Posts: 754
    edited December 2015
    BMW,  thanks! I took your advice! I drove to the Queens (NYC) Mall this afternoon and visited the LEGO store on the second floor. The displays by NYLug were quite fun to see, and the staff were very helpful. The customers looked pretty satisfied for living in such a big city. I am waiting for some of the new sets to arrive and did not buy anything. But I'm glad I saw the store. There are quite a few sets marked down, and they seemed to have just about everything current in stock. There is a parking garage attached to the Mall; it costs about $5. for two hours. That is all I spent. 
  • nychromastonenychromastone Member Posts: 163
    hi @legogal, if you're looking for anything specific while you're still here, i would be happy to assist. the shopping will get pretty intense in the days leading up to Christmas. i'm not sure if you want to deal with the chaos. is this your first visit to NYC?

  • legogallegogal Member Posts: 754
    Thanks for the offer! I hope to visit the Rock Center LEGO store and TRU Times Square maybe next weekend before I leave on Monday..if my grandbaby is well and I have not lost my everloving mind.  I am just across the Triborough Bridge in Queens at my son's place. What part of the City do you live in? If anyone else from the forum is around this week, please holler. Chaos is the appropriate term to describe this place! Tomorrow I hope to tour the Noguchi Museum here if it is not raining. Missed it last time, and am a huge fan of Japanese art and food. No need to shop for anything at this point, thank god! Survived a drive to Queens Mall last night, and returned with absolutely nothing! That is how I like to shop these days!
  • hleonffuhleonffu Member Posts: 247
    @legogal TRU Times Square closes on Dec 30. They have large LEGO sculptures of NYC landmark buildings like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
  • owjowj Member Posts: 3
    Hi all. Want to find out whether does Lego stores markup their prices for power functions? I will be asking my friend to get for me from 5th Avenue.
  • MugenPowerMugenPower Member Posts: 633
    owj said:
    Hi all. Want to find out whether does Lego stores markup their prices for power functions? I will be asking my friend to get for me from 5th Avenue.
    The 2 Lego stores I've been to in NYC (Rockefeller and Flatiron) marked up prices by 10% on sets.  I didn't specifically take notice of power functions but I assume there's the same markup on them.
  • hleonffuhleonffu Member Posts: 247
    Last time I visited Flatiron, there was no mark up. Did not notice if there was any power function items. Usually they will have the items to power a train like the IR remote, IR sensor, train engine and battery pack for AAA. They may have the small motor. 
  • owjowj Member Posts: 3
    hleonffu said:
    Last time I visited Flatiron, there was no mark up. Did not notice if there was any power function items. Usually they will have the items to power a train like the IR remote, IR sensor, train engine and battery pack for AAA. They may have the small motor. 
    Wow. Really? That would be great news. I am actually looking for IR receiver, AAA battery box and M motor, as those items are not available in Malaysia
  • nychromastonenychromastone Member Posts: 163
    MugenPower said:
    The 2 Lego stores I've been to in NYC (Rockefeller and Flatiron) marked up prices by 10% on sets.  I didn't specifically take notice of power functions but I assume there's the same markup on them.

    ^Rock Center and Flatiron stores have recently reset their prices back to match [email protected] prices.
    i'm not sure but it may have to do with the fact TRU returned to Times Square. the prices changed the same week TRU opened. coincidence?

    they usually have power functions but i would strongly recommend that you call ahead before showing up in person.


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