[USA] ToysRUs LEGO Sale: January 22-28

[Thundarr]

I had no idea how badly some of the markups were, 40% that is nuts. I feel badly for those unsuspecting/non-saavy shoppers who frequent TRU and believe they are getting a fair deal! We need to find a way to reach those people and let them know they are getting ripped off!

I totally agree with you. Its too bad LEGO doesn't step in and demand TRU charge retail like most other B&M stores. Doesn't TRU buy the sets at a reduced price from LEGO anyway? If LEGO is charging TRU full price, then I can understand the markup, but I always thought big retailers got quantity discounts.
I was in TRU today just to browse and there was a couple looking at different sets in the LEGO aisle. The dad picked up Whitecap Bay and said: "wow this is 100 dollars!?!" Then he looked at Queen Anne's ($140). The mom said "that's the pirate set <kid's name> wants." The dad was like "well if we're gonna pay that much we might as well get the Millennium Falcon ($165) because its alot cooler and he loves Star Wars too" After listening to them for some time while I browsed the new sets, I finally spoke up and told them that they would save a ton of money if they just went to Target or Wal-Mart because TRU marks the prices up alot. The mom said "Really? I had no idea! Thank you so much!" and she pulled out her I-Phone and started looking up prices on Wal-Mart.com, grumbling at the differences she saw while I walked away. So I guess I did my good deed for the day.

[LegoFanTexas]

In fairness, in 2012 if someone is carrying an iPhone and considering spending hundreds of dollars in a store, you'd think it would make sense to take 2 seconds to price compare...

[mah4546]

I had no idea how badly some of the markups were, 40% that is nuts. I feel badly for those unsuspecting/non-saavy shoppers who frequent TRU and believe they are getting a fair deal! We need to find a way to reach those people and let them know they are getting ripped off!

I totally agree with you. Its too bad LEGO doesn't step in and demand TRU charge retail like most other B&M stores.

Thankfully, LEGO doesn't do that. It's a free market. If people are ignorant enough to shop at TRU and not price compare - and judging by the empty shelves after Christmas, many are - then good for TRU. That's capitalism.

[meyerc13]

Actually it's false advertising. When you say something is buy one get one 50% off, but then mark up both items by +25%, it isn't really a sale it's false advertising. Too bad none of the State Attorney Generals have decided to pursue this.

[pushpin]

I had no idea how badly some of the markups were, 40% that is nuts. I feel badly for those unsuspecting/non-saavy shoppers who frequent TRU and believe they are getting a fair deal! We need to find a way to reach those people and let them know they are getting ripped off!

I totally agree with you. Its too bad LEGO doesn't step in and demand TRU charge retail like most other B&M stores. Doesn't TRU buy the sets at a reduced price from LEGO anyway? If LEGO is charging TRU full price, then I can understand the markup, but I always thought big retailers got quantity discounts.
I was in TRU today just to browse and there was a couple looking at different sets in the LEGO aisle. The dad picked up Whitecap Bay and said: "wow this is 100 dollars!?!" Then he looked at Queen Anne's ($140). The mom said "that's the pirate set <kid's name> wants." The dad was like "well if we're gonna pay that much we might as well get the Millennium Falcon ($165) because its alot cooler and he loves Star Wars too" After listening to them for some time while I browsed the new sets, I finally spoke up and told them that they would save a ton of money if they just went to Target or Wal-Mart because TRU marks the prices up alot. The mom said "Really? I had no idea! Thank you so much!" and she pulled out her I-Phone and started looking up prices on Wal-Mart.com, grumbling at the differences she saw while I walked away. So I guess I did my good deed for the day.

We can start leaving negative reviews on TRU's website on LEGO models we have purchased..

[1brickshyofcrazy]

Sorry but that's because it's NOT considered false or deceptive advertising as the sale is "BOGO 50% off" and it doesn't stipulate what the price is or will be when you go to buy the product. The advertising just say it's BOGO 50% deal.

By now many already know that TRU prices are not the best so as mah4546 mentioned "if people are ignorant enough to shop at TRU then good for TRU." "It's a free market. That's capitalism."

Actually it's false advertising. When you say something is buy one get one 50% off, but then mark up both items by +25%, it isn't really a sale it's false advertising. Too bad none of the State Attorney Generals have decided to pursue this.

[markerpk]

Sorry but that's because it's NOT considered false or deceptive advertising as the sale is "BOGO 50% off" and it doesn't stipulate what the price is or will be when you go to buy the product. The advertising just say it's BOGO 50% deal.

By now many already know that TRU prices are not the best so as mah4546 mentioned "if people are ignorant enough to shop at TRU then good for TRU." "It's a free market. That's capitalism."

Actually it's false advertising. When you say something is buy one get one 50% off, but then mark up both items by +25%, it isn't really a sale it's false advertising. Too bad none of the State Attorney Generals have decided to pursue this.

Right on 1brick

[Luciant]

Sorry but that's because it's NOT considered false or deceptive advertising as the sale is "BOGO 50% off" and it doesn't stipulate what the price is or will be when you go to buy the product. The advertising just say it's BOGO 50% deal.

By now many already know that TRU prices are not the best so as mah4546 mentioned "if people are ignorant enough to shop at TRU then good for TRU." "It's a free market. That's capitalism."

Actually it's false advertising. When you say something is buy one get one 50% off, but then mark up both items by +25%, it isn't really a sale it's false advertising. Too bad none of the State Attorney Generals have decided to pursue this.

Caveat Emptor - Let the Buyer Beware. The basis of modern Economics.

False Advertising is offering item A for $25 in the advertisement, and charging $30 in store for the item.

[pushpin]

With TRU doing so successfully with it's price inflation, what's to prevent LEGO, Target and others from increasing their prices? This is also economics. Why sell low when you can sell high?

[Legobrandon]

False Advertising is offering item A for $25 in the advertisement, and charging $30 in store for the item.

+1

Are there any online coupon codes for TRU.com, FAO, or etoys.com? These are the only retailers that have it in stock and offers free shipping. This set is very close to extinction, and it could possibly be my first modular.

[Edmond Dantes]

False Advertising is offering item A for $25 in the advertisement, and charging $30 in store for the item.

+1

Are there any online coupon codes for TRU.com, FAO, or etoys.com? These are the only retailers that have it in stock and offers free shipping. This set is very close to extinction, and it could possibly be my first modular.

Have what in stock? The FB?

[Legobrandon]

False Advertising is offering item A for $25 in the advertisement, and charging $30 in store for the item.

+1

Are there any online coupon codes for TRU.com, FAO, or etoys.com? These are the only retailers that have it in stock and offers free shipping. This set is very close to extinction, and it could possibly be my first modular.

Have what in stock? The FB?

Yea, the Fire Brigade. Sorry forgot to mention it.

[atmail35]

I went into TRU to look around and the sign for the Friends deal said it was a $50 purchase, I did not try it but if were planning on it I would have tried to hold them to the $50 since that is what the sign said. Very strange though.