Retiring Soon Update

[SpaceViking]

TLG wasn't sure about the viability of the product, so did a limited initial production run, larger retailers didn't buy into it, so TLG didn't pump out any more (until they started showing up at LEGO Store BaM kiosks, anyway), etc.

I tend to agree with this 'viability' comment. There was a lot of concern about quality voiced among collectores prior to the release of CMF1 and CMF2. These figs are "Made in China", and similar items (minifigs in magnets, keychain, swag and the like) prior to the CMF runs were noticeably lower quality---cracks in torso and thin/transparent arms are some of the complaints I recall. I'm quite sure TLG saw these complaints, and were hesitant about how many to produce in the first few runs.

[videriant]

I can believe the MF9. Most of the stores do not stock up on toys during the first half of the year so any MF releases early in the year are going to get lower runs.

[dilbert12]

I thought it was pretty common knowledge that LEGO didn't anticipate demand for S1 and S2, leading to severe shortages of product...? They didn't produce enough so the first serires were near-impossible to find, then the supply was remedied for subsequent series.

m19

It's common knowledge that that's a theory as to why CMFs1 and CMFs2 had low production runs/lifetime. I've heard the other theory that retailers were skeptical about the viability of the product, and thus didn't order at all (Target, Walmart), or ordered small amounts (TRU) and thus production met the small amount of orders, plus LEGO Store/S@H allotments.

It's more than likely a combination of both - TLG wasn't sure about the viability of the product, so did a limited initial production run, larger retailers didn't buy into it, so TLG didn't pump out any more (until they started showing up at LEGO Store BaM kiosks, anyway), etc.

Either way, I wouldn't go so far as to call it a "screw up on LEGO's part" so much as an overly cautious initial release. But you have that sort of supply/demand problem with the first of anything - in the comic world, "issue #1's" of any kind are usually the highest-selling, lowest-printed (back in the day, anyway) issue of the series. Say there were 50,000 copies of Amazing Spider-man #1 printed, and they sold out. #2 comes out with a print-run of 75,000, and sells out. #3 gets 100,000 printed, and only sells 75,000 copies. But #4's print run was already ordered before they got the numbers on #3, so they also printed 100,000 copies of that issue, but only sold 65,000, etc...

That's why CMFs1 - 4 are more high-demand than later series, which ended up showing up at clearance prices in some places (including S@H, Target, and Walmart). TLG may have taken this as an indication to reduce the production run for CMFs9, hence the 'retiring soon' mark.

Or they simply could be attempting to artificially increase demand/sales on these items, because saying something is 'retiring soon' seems to drive people (especially resellers) through the roof.

Well stated. LEGO has learned from being in financial distress not too long ago. Ask any manufacturer that having large overstock/inventories that don't sell is not a financially sound business model. Retailers have opportunities to see the upcoming toys at toy fairs and to see toy catalogs to place orders. Manufacturers then can make a reasonable estimate one how much to produce and work it into their manufacturing schedules. There are a number of reasonable reasons LEGO did not do a second production run. European retailers weren't as skeptical as US retailers which is why they had a better supply.

From the business perspective, it's hard to argue LEGO screwed up. As a consumer, I can see how it can be perceived that way although a bit extreme and harsh.

I'm curious if it was new production runs or existing inventory that LEGO used to put early series parts in Build-A-Minifigure bins at LEGO stores. A few earlier series also ended up in more recent sets such as the calendar http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Brick-Calendar-853195. For the Halloween accessory pack, it's obvious that the zombie is a new run of series 1 zombie with different color. http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Halloween-Ac ... Set-850487

What criteria is LEGO using to determine which previous minifigure series minifigs are repackaged unchanged or a modified version? It's obvious series 1 robot and zombie are the the most wanted based on after market prices. Why create alternate version of it when they have a few series 1 unaltered? Just guessing they are trying to put them out for those that missed out on earlier series, but also not upset the collectors by not reissuing highly sought after minfigures. *shrug*

[Marcus70]

The Winter Village Post Office retired before the Bakery at S&H. The Winter Village Bakery is still marked as sold out.

http://search2.lego.com/?q=winter+villa ... 2057&cc=US" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[StClair]

Zombie/Witch/Ghost 3 pack (graveyard scene)

I wasn't able to find the Zombie/Witch/Ghost 3 pack (graveyard scene) #850487 (Item #6016932) on LEGO shop at home. It was there a few days ago under "themes">"minifigures".

Anyone know if it is retired or just out of stock or a mistake?

[lawpepperdine]

It's still there. Just search monster it comes up third or fourth I believe

[Marcus70]

Some more sets now moved to "Retiring Soon, here a few of interest:

Orc Forge
Gandalf Arrives
Capitan America's Avenging Cycle
Endor - Rebel Trooper & Imperial Trooper - Battle Pack

http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Retiring-Soon

[Brick & Blue]

Nothing of surprise from this list besides the fact that series 9 is still listed, but they probably mean series 10.