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Toys R Us...R U For Real?

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  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    Ditto, without TRU, then we have only Target and Walmart, there just are no big toy stores left...

    Perhaps they really do need these markups to stay in business, keep in mind that KB Toys and others are now gone, dustbin of history, for perhaps that reason.
  • momof2boys99momof2boys99 Member Posts: 322
    I really like Toys R Us. I just don't buy when they inflate the prices. I do find really good deals there at times. As others have stated, when they have the Buy one get one 1/2 and one is already reduced it can be a great savings. I know it is hard as most of the good stuff ends up out of stock, but I am willing to be patient. Aside of the Lego store, they have the best stock.
  • VaderXVaderX Member Posts: 220
    Timing seems to be the best approach with these guys, like others have stated TRU is the only big toy store around me and they carry almost every Lego theme and brand items. I have always got the best deal from them with the 3 for 2 stacking and rewards coupons. Also they do some pretty cool freebies all year long that no other retailers do. I just laugh at marked up prices and wait for them to come down, they always have around here. The B+N around me have one end cap of an aisle for Lego so those sweet 40 and 50% offs do me nothing. Walmart year end clearance is the only other good deal within 100 miles of me besides TRU for prices below MSRP. Funny I live in a state with 2.5 million people and we don't have a Lego store
  • sonsofscevasonsofsceva Member Posts: 542
    I also appreciate TRU, and if others are willing to pay more, even after knowing they are paying more, that is their problem. If people are willing to do so then that is fine with me; it help keeps TRU open for the rest of year's deals that they offer.

    Mainly, being the first Christmas since getting back into LEGO, I was shocked at how flippant people were about throwing money away on runaway prices, even in this economy.
  • akunthitaakunthita Member Posts: 1,038
    I go to my local TRU because of their large selction of LEGO. I shop there only rarely, but it is pretty much the only way I can look at so many LEGO sets in person. I also like their displays. Sometimes it is hard to tell just from a picture how a new LEGO set, minifig or element looks like. But my TRU has so many LEGO displays I just stand there and drool over all the details...(c:
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,789
    .....
    Finally, I found some Friends sets and brought them to the register only to be told by the cashier that she couldn't sell them to me because they shouldn't have been on the shelves yet....
    I saw that the Walmart by me, while having nothing of substance for a sale, did have the Friends sets out in a main hallway already, so I'm guessing they should be out....
  • andystarandystar Member Posts: 275
    Has anyone received their 10% Rewards for the 10/30/11-12/24/11 period? These were going to be sent via email after 12/24/11 but didnt' indicate a "by when" date.

    From the TRU promotion
    '"R"Us Dollars certificates and all other reward certificates earned during this period are sent to members via email and are valid until the date printed on each certificate. Rewards Certificates are sent via email after 12/24/11 and may have varying dates.'

    I have not received any via email yet.
  • hleonffuhleonffu Member Posts: 247
    edited December 2011
    I have received an email with the coupons. The bad news is that some will only work between now and 1/13/2012 and some will work between 1/14/2012 and 1/28/2012. I hope their markups are lowered or these coupons will just get me to RRP. Also, the coupons are "in store only".
  • starfire2starfire2 Member Posts: 1,335
    According to the website it says they will be available 12/29.
  • brickmaticbrickmatic Member Posts: 1,071
    Also be on the lookout for mislabeled shelf prices. They change prices around so much that employees often forget to remove the old, lower prices from the shelves.
    A few weeks ago I was walking through the TRU and noted a 30% off all LEGO construction sets sign with valid dates. It was the only such sign up, but it was there. So I grabbed the Yellow Train headed to the register. The discount didn't ring up, but after talking to the manager they honored it anyway. Even with the $20 markup, it was still 22% off MSRP, so not a bad deal at all.
  • The_Brick_BuilderThe_Brick_Builder Member Posts: 658
    Went to buy some Green 32x32 Baseplates at TRU, and to my dismay, they cost $7.99 instead of $4.99! Passed on that one. Although I did get the 4427 City Fire ATV for $5.99. Its now $6.99!
  • GIR3691GIR3691 Member Posts: 674
    I've got a $20 gift card I got for $10, a $4 rewards print-out, and the $10 off $50 purchases promotion. I STILL can't put a good deal together with their prices. It'll be a miracle to get beyond 25% off with THREE discounts stacked together.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,789
    I have received an email with the coupons. The bad news is that some will only work between now and 1/13/2012 and some will work between 1/14/2012 and 1/28/2012. I hope their markups are lowered or these coupons will just get me to RRP. Also, the coupons are "in store only".
    This is unfortunately how rewards points are doled out to people in the program, which is ridiculous if you ask me.
    It is a rewards program for overpaying on many of these sets, the least they could do is allow you to stack all of them for 30 days if you so choose, or better yet, allow them to carry over for 6 months..
    I do not understand why TRU does not do this.. does it mean that someone could feasibly walk out of the store with a set for free? Sure, but if they spend that kind of money and saved their coupons, then why not? I mean they did not get those coupons (normally) by any other way then buying stuff from TRU.
  • bmwlegobmwlego Member Posts: 819
    Now I have the following:
    $10 and $50 Gift Cards
    $30 in Rewards $ that expire shortly
    $25 in Rewards $ that expire late in January

    Not sure what LEGO I will buy as so much is drastically overpriced. Like others have mentioned, I've got to wait for their prices to come back down to Earth but unfortunately my Rewards $ expire soon.
  • starfire2starfire2 Member Posts: 1,335
    I wish TRU would do the same as Lego's VIP and allow you to accumalate points and save them for when YOU want to use them. And no expiration dates on points
  • jwsmartjwsmart Member Posts: 298
    Wow, those markups are even worse than the wave of markups we saw around December 1st. I kind of expected the prices to drop a bit after Christmas - it's a bit counter-intuitive.
    The online prices are still bad - but not that bad.
    And not selling you a set that was out on the shelves - that's just appalling.
  • Ma1234Ma1234 Member Posts: 693
    Wow, those markups are even worse than the wave of markups we saw around December 1st. I kind of expected the prices to drop a bit after Christmas - it's a bit counter-intuitive.
    The online prices are still bad - but not that bad.
    And not selling you a set that was out on the shelves - that's just appalling.
    LEGO Friends has a street date of January 1. It can't be sold - computer won't allow it. It should not have been on store shelves, but even a LEGO Store reported on this site put them on shelves early ony to promptly but them back in the back room.
  • DavidRod8DavidRod8 Member Posts: 143
    We have 2 rewards account, got the email for one so far. $25 for use until 1/14 and 25 between 1/14 and 1/31. Can't use them online...
  • BTHodgemanBTHodgeman Member Posts: 622
    @DavidRod8 - Are your $25 split up at all? I have $12 to use until 1/14 and $12 between 1/14 and 1/31, but it shows in my account as 4 separate $6 coupons..


    Brent
  • starfire2starfire2 Member Posts: 1,335
    I had to check my account for mine. $20 (4x $5) for use by 1/14 and $20 (4x $5) for use 1/15- 1/31. Has anyone gotten the Christmas savings pass?
  • BTHodgemanBTHodgeman Member Posts: 622
    @starfire2 - as I understand, the savings pass "stuff" (whatever it may be) will be emailed each month in 2012.

    Brent
  • bmwlegobmwlego Member Posts: 819
    I still haven't received the LEGO Bucks from TRU yet. Anyone receive these from the October promotion yet?
  • sidersddsidersdd Member Posts: 2,432
    ^ yes, I did. They can also be found on-line at the RewardsRUs.ToysRUs.com site.
  • BTHodgemanBTHodgeman Member Posts: 622
    I also received my LEGO bucks. In the mail in early December and online a week ago or so

    Brent
  • bmwlegobmwlego Member Posts: 819
    are they any different than the regular bucks?
  • sidersddsidersdd Member Posts: 2,432
    It's good in-store only, on any LEGO purchase. Valid in January only.
  • starfire2starfire2 Member Posts: 1,335
    ^^^ me too. Nice thing is I can use my $5 lego dollars and $25 in rewards r us bucks starting 1/1. I am hoping they get the CMF in then!!!
  • starfire2starfire2 Member Posts: 1,335
    Thanks for the info BTHodgeman.
  • norm103norm103 Member Posts: 301
    So can you stack the r bucks. And can we use them on sale items too. Sry for a bingers q and a
  • sidersddsidersdd Member Posts: 2,432
    Yes, you can stack them in-store, and use on sale items. They are less like coupons, and more like forms of payment/gift cards. On-line however, last I remember, you can only use one at a time (if that particular rewards bucks is even allowed on-line).
  • starfire2starfire2 Member Posts: 1,335
    I had trouble online trying to use my last $5 reward. I had to call customer service who credited my credit card $5 but also too down the r us dollars number so if it was used in the store it would be flagged/ rejected. I would rather use mine in store anyways. Less hassle, no shipping charges, waiting, etc.
  • YellowcastleYellowcastle Administrator, Moderator Posts: 5,234
    edited December 2011
    ^ yes, I did. They can also be found on-line at the RewardsRUs.ToysRUs.com site.
    I don't see where you can download the LEGO Bucks online. I see that I did indeed qualify for them via the purchases review tab but nowhere to print them. Additionally, I spoke to TRU customer service a few times to no avail. But as I recall, the promotion said they would be mailed to you 8 to 12 weeks later...
  • BTHodgemanBTHodgeman Member Posts: 622
    @Yellowcastle... click on "my rewards," then go to "print rewards." (That is from memory so the terms may not be 100% accurate)

    From there, you will see the LEGO bucks.

    By the way, did anyone else only receive upcoming rewards for purchases through December 12?

    I had $80-something in purchases after December 12 that have not (yet) generated the $9 on rewards due.

    Brent
  • sidersddsidersdd Member Posts: 2,432
    Right - go to "My Rewards", and then "View and Print My Certificates". You should see "LEGO Dollars" in the October section. Click it and then print the coupon.
  • giraffefrecklesgiraffefreckles Member Posts: 100
    edited December 2011
    ^^Mine says the rewards for 12/13 through 12/24 will be mailed around 1/13.

    Looks like they modified their rewards period to manage the after-Xmas hit. Changing course midstream, huh. Maybe legal but definitely a chin-scratcher.
  • sidersddsidersdd Member Posts: 2,432
    edited December 2011
    ^^^ Mine does show the 10% Back Promo as only going thru 12/12. I don't recall if that was the deal or not. I maxed out the rewards before then anyway.
  • sidersddsidersdd Member Posts: 2,432
    Also, dunno if this is obvious to everyone, but there are no rewards to be earned during January. Next rewards earnings starts February 1st.
  • starfire2starfire2 Member Posts: 1,335
    I think if I am correct, that any rewards you earned for the 10% back promo are emailed to you or you can print them online but will NOT be mailed to you.
  • cosmiclego79cosmiclego79 Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2012
    Hi folks,

    I've been reading the site for quite a while. Finally decided to create an account and join in the discussion :)

    I'm in the US, and get most of my lego from Toys R Us. I've noticed recently that Toys R Us prices for some sets is a bit higher than the RRP from Lego. I'd buy directly from Lego but they charge for shipping. Is this a new trend from Toys R Us? Are there any good alternatives?

    Play Well :)
  • DavidBrickleyDavidBrickley Member Posts: 369
    Not a new trend for TRU in general. They've always seemed to mark up licensed sets. Last fall, they marked up pretty much everything. For technic sets, I don't think I've seen them at any other brick and mortar stores.
  • avoiceoreasonavoiceoreason Member Posts: 224
    Are the TRU mark-ups getting worse?

    Was in there today to spend some rewards dollars and was looking for some Friends sets. They even had a "spend $75 get a free set (Design studio size)" and I still didn't end up buying any Lego. They were asking $81 for the large house! Ridiculous.
  • dougtsdougts Member Posts: 4,110
    Of late I have employed a new strategy when I'm in TRU. Anyone I find looking at something in the LEGO aisles I calmly and firmly inform them that they can get the item 2 blocks away at he official LEGO store for less, and tell them the exact LEGO price.
  • dougtsdougts Member Posts: 4,110
    TRU markups have definitely been worse the past 2 months or so. I figured it was a Christmas thing and they would come back to just bad, instead of the current atrocious. Hasn't happened yet.

    I take it @cosmiclego79 that there is no LEGO store close to you? Other options of course are Target, Wal-Mart, and other regional stores. Most times they seem to sell stuff right at RRP. although I've noticed Target marking up a few items here and there, but it's the exception rather than the rule.
  • JP3804JP3804 Member Posts: 332
    I was in my local TRU yesterday to spend my rewards. The only thing that was not marked up was the space shuttle ( 3367 ). Everything else was marked up at least 15% most 20 % or more. :-(
  • YellowcastleYellowcastle Administrator, Moderator Posts: 5,234
    I too am still waiting for them to bring their prices back down. If for some reason they don't, this probably marks the end for them within the LEGO community. I'm fine with the standard 10% they've employed the last couple of years. But they can't really be serious with the 25% etc.
  • TalasAntaresTalasAntares Member Posts: 124
    Was at my local TRU today and yes the markups were ridiculous. I picked up some S6 CMF's and two polybags but that was all. They had the new firefighting plane at something like a $20 markup over list....
    I expected the markups on licensed themes but not on your run-of-the-mill City sets...
    Then went to Learning Center and they had all the S6 CMF's marked up to $3.99...."because they were new". Such utter b.s. with pricing these days...
  • yys4uyys4u Member Posts: 1,093
    I remember people being shocked when the Catwoman Catcycle city chase set was $18.99 at TRU when they were first released. I stopped by the other day and saw it was now $19.99. I can't believe they had the audacity to raise the price AGAIN
  • y2joshy2josh Member Posts: 1,996
    So... I was poking around the TRU website... and they have user product reviews and what-have-you. There are TONS of comments about how much less expensive the sets are EVERYWHERE ELSE... and the site admins have edited ALL of the prices out of the comments. That just seems beyond ridiculous.
  • yys4uyys4u Member Posts: 1,093
    Good to see people are taking notice though.

    this is a pretty good review

    "This Lego set is [$] everywhere else, [@] and true is $20 ..I'm sick of this store price gouging.complain let them know we don't appreciate them robbing us."

    sans the editing out of the prices are you mentioned lol
  • legoDadlegoDad Member Posts: 529
    edited January 2012
    I'm gonna' complain this coming week to the manager of my local TRU. $104.00 for a Bat Cave. Unreal man. And the store usually look messy, dirty...and charging posh department store prices.
    And I've said this a million times...the dag nabit Prince of Persias are still on the same shelf space for more than a year and well above retail. NO ONE is buying them. You can see the cake of dust on the boxes. Ok...breath....breath...ughhh. I'd feel better kicking the manager in the nuts over this.
    I know the deal though...my Target does this now. Raise the prices very high, do the BOGO and then you the customer thinks you got a good deal and they sell the item just a touch under the normal retail.
    The only way is to stop buyingg from TRU and then they'll take notice. But they snag you with the BOGO's.
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