Series 4 Now on Sale at ToysRUs.com

While visiting The Brick Blog to provide a link, I noticed a post saying that ToysRUs.com is currently selling Series 4 Collectible Minifigures online! The post was this morning, but it appears they still have them in stock. They are retailing for $2.99 USD and there don't appear to be any limits. Right now Toys R Us will ship for free on orders above $75. Head on over to TRU.com for more details.

Thanks once again to The Brick Blog for the news.

Call TRU Customer Service to Check Series 4 Availability

Morgan pointed this out to us last round, but I completely forgot that you can call ToysRUs in the US and see if Series 4 is in your area. I've lifted this from Morgan's earlier comments...

'If you're in the US...Call 1-800-869-7787 

- Press menu options 1, 3, and then 2

- Ask the operator to check the availability of item 578074

Searching for that number (TRU's code for S4 figs) will allow the operator to see if any are in stock in your zip code, if they've been ordered, etc.'

I personally called to check for availability in my area and the closest store was Lexington, KY (I've added a pin on the Series 4 Rollout Map). Another reader also let me know that he's seen them at a TRU in Springfield, IL (also pinned).

You can see the instructions on how to use the map here, but if you are having difficulty in adding a pin, just write me at uglyduck.bricklink@gmail.com and I'll see what I can do. Some of the Google Maps functionality has changed since then, so I may need to update the instructions.

Happy hunting!

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

LEGO Ninjago Skeleton Chopper at TRU (US)

Apples writes in to say that the LEGO Ninjago polybag set Skeleton Chopper (30081) has made an appearance at ToysRUs in the US. If you recall back to the beginning of February, Brickset discovered four of these Ninjago promotional sets. I believe Target and ToysRUs have been the only stores to feature these Ninjago polybags, to date.

Apples also noted that the Cole DX spinners were in store as well, so it may only be a matter of time before all the new spinner sets are in.

(Picture via Brickset)

New Ninjago Spinner Sets at ToysRUs

Toys N Bricks is reporting that the newer Ninjago spinners are showing up at ToysRUs stores in the US. 

Cole DX and Zane DX have been seen so far, but the Nuckal and Nya spinners shouldn't be far behind. Do be aware that the spinner minifigures appear to manufactured differently from those that come with the main sets (take that for what you will). Skeleton spinners, like Nuckal, also have a different arm configuration so the figure can hold weapons out to the side. If these details aren't a concern, this is a less expensive way to add these figures to your collection.

There are several TRU LEGO deals this week with free sets and price off deals. ToysRUs has also lowered their threshold for free shipping from $100 down to $75. You can see all the details at Toys N Bricks, or you can go straight to ToysRUs.com.

Quick Hits: Sales and Deals (US/CAN)

Just passing along some deal information courtesy of Toys N Bricks...

Toys R Us Canada is having a BOGO 50% off sale on all LEGO City, Atlantis, and Kingdoms sets. You always maximize you savings when purchasing sets of equal value. We are an affiliate with TRU Canada, meaning that if you click through via the banner at the top of our page and make a purchase, we get a small commission. Those commissions are then reinvested back into the site for content.

Also in Canada, Wal-Mart is offering 23% all Ninjago spinners. This would be a great time to round out your collection of Ninjas or Skeleton armies (I've also been told there's a game associated with these fellers...Who knew?!). If you would like to learn more you can take a peek at our Ninjago minifigure guides and get the skinny before you buy.

Finally, starting today through Monday, you can save up to 30% on three select sets at Toys R Us in the US:

• LEGO CITY Garage
• LEGO Power Miners Titanium Rig
• LEGO Space Police Hyperspeed Persuit

If you decide to purchase in store, FBTB.net reports seeing the exclusive LEGO Star Wars set Battle for Geonosis (7869) in certain TRUs. This set has only been available at Shop at Home to date, so another great way to pick one up.

Lot's more sales and deals news can be found at Toys N Bricks.

Quick Hits: It's Friday...Finally!

A busy week here at the Command Center, so let's get to it...

Our new Keeper of the Scrolls, Leper, has been diligently working on the guides. His first official entry was last night's Cole guide for Ninjago. Leper's already offered up some great suggestions that we'll be using in the future.

Speaking of the guides, the all of the Series 3 Collectible Minifigure guide pics should now be 'upgraded'. What does that mean? This year we will be making an effort to take our own pics for the minifigure guides when we can. It may not mean that every guide entry will debut with these pics, but we will do our darndest. Series 3 still needs to have the bios added and the dot code sheets changed, but are 90% complete.

I have also 'upgraded' a few of the 2011 Star Wars guide entries, specifically those figs from this year's battle packs. More pics to be upgraded in the near future, so stay tuned.

Toys R Us Canada is having a sale this weekend on LEGO Atlantis and City. 20% off any set from these two series. This would be a great time to pick up the new City Police sets or 2011 Atlantis. Both have fantastic new minifigures and elements to add to your collection. Visit the Toys R Us Canada website for more details.

A new LEGO resource site debuted this week - BrickQ. Using a format similar to Yahoo Answers, people can submit questions for others in the community to answer. There is a scoring system in play (5 points for answering a question, 8 additional if you get selected as best answer, and then -10 to ask a question) possibly to keep people from asking tons of questions without contributing answers. If you have a LEGO stumper that won't let go, check out BrickQ.com next time and see if they have the solution.

Lastly, there are a couple of premier LEGO events happening this weekend in Austrialia and Hong Kong. Brickvention 2011 is being held at the Melbourne Town Hall in Victoria with a public viewing day on Sunday. Bricks Adventure 2011 continues this weekend and runs through January 21st. Bricks Adventure is being held at the City University of Hong Kong and admission is free. You can follow the respective links above for more details about each event.

There will be a separate post, but remember to have your entry for the UD Minifig Design Battle in before 12:01 am EST January 16th (that gives you under 48 hours as of the time of this post). Late entries will not be accepted. We will also debut the next design challenge brief sometime tomorrow morning.

That's all for now Nation. More to come as it happens...

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

New 2011 LEGO Sets now at ToysRUs.ca

Toys R Us Canada now has the new 2011 LEGO sets available, including Ninjago and LEGO Star Wars. Just click on through via the above banner and head on over to the LEGO 'aisle'.

Don't forget that there's, free shipping on orders over $100 CAN. Don't dawdle, some sets are already being listed as 'out of stock'!

The Duck is Now a Toys R Us Canada Affiliate

File this under the category of 'better late than never'...The site is now an affiliate with Toys R Us Canada! You will see the new banner in the 'sponsored links' section of the sidebar now.

Canadian readers are our third largest contingent here on the site. So to our fans north of the border, we ask that if you place an order via ToysRUs.ca you click through our site first. This provides us with a small commission on finalized sales, which can be used to help 'The Duck' grow.

I'm still awaiting news on the US Toys R Us affiliateship. Hopefully we'll have some news in the very near future.

I have also added a fix for the LEGO banner for our friends in Canada and the UK. You will notice three country flags below the banner. Please click these to reach your countries specific LEGO site. If you click on the main banner, it will only work for US customers. I'm working with LEGO to find a more elegant solution; however, this should work for now. If you have some time, please click on your country's flag to make certain you are taken to the correct country site. Please let me know if you encounter any issues.

Finally, I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who 'clicked here first' before making a purchase with our affiliate partners. The commissions from your sales are greatly appreciated!

LEGO Ninjago - Buy 2 Get One Free Today Only!

Toys R Us (US) is having an online sale with LEGO where you can buy two sets and get one free. It has been reported on other sites the deal is available in-stores as well, but I can say after returning from my local store today that it isn't so. These deals are good on all sets except LEGO Star Wars and Pharaoh's Quest.

BOGO deals are always maximized when you order sets of the same value. A great way to do this would be to order three LEGO Ninjago spinners ($9.99 USD). 

There are other offers as well listed on the Toys R Us site, but I don't know if they 'stack' (i.e. you may have to pick one offer over another instead of getting all at once). The additional offers include free shipping on orders over $100 USD, and a free LEGO Star Wars backpack on LEGO purchases over $30 USD. TRU also shows a Ninjago card holder and special battle card as a promo, but details are not available on how to receive this. Check your order before finalizing to make certain you are getting all the offers you want.

This sale only lasts today, so hurry over to Toys R Us!

UPDATE: So it seems that information remains mixed on this sale. Despite me going to my local Toys R Us, where no signs were up about this deal, and the manager at the customer service desk said the deal was not today, it seems that others received the discount at the register. TRU ended up losing a sale today because of this snafu. Hopefully, others were luckier with better informed sales staff.

Possible Series 3 Restocks at TRU

I just returned from a run to my local Toys R Us to see, if by chance, the 2011 Star Wars sets might be in (answer: they're not). However, they did have plenty of Series 3 Collectible Minifigures on the shelf and hanging up individually for $3.99 USD. I saw at least enough out for a case or two and even witnessed an unopened case.

You might be thinking $4 is a lot to pay, even for Elves or Samurai, but wait...there's more. TRU is offering 25% off any LEGO purchases today (12/14) and tomorrow if you have this coupon. That will bring you back to the $3 range (so now we're talking).

If your Toys R Us ran out of their initial salvos, you may want to drop by again and see if they've reloaded. You can also pick up an 'exclusive minifigure' with LEGO purchases over $30 USD.

You can find out where Series 3 has been recently via our Google Map and you can scan the bumps along the bottom to find the fig you want (although I found it easier said than done).

Happy hunting!

Series 3 Collectible Minifigures Now at TRU.com

I'll keep it brief. Toys N Bricks is reporting that Toys R Us is selling the figs online. Here is the direct link.

It is showing that  the BOGO offer applies, but there have been reports the online orders aren't applying them correctly. You can find the full details in the Toys N Bricks forums.

Good luck!

Series 3 Sightings at TRU and Meijer (US)

Toys N Bricks is reporting that Series 3 Collectible Minifigures are now making their way into Toys R Us and Meijer stores in the US. It would appear that the days of $1.99 collectible figs are over at TRU with the current packs being listed for $2.99. You may want to try and see if your TRU allows for the BOGO 50% off to be applied to these figs for a discount.

Don't forget to bring your handy Series 3 decoder sheets to the stores with you! The patterns on the sheet correspond with bumps along the bottom of the package.

I'm still surprised that Europe hasn't seen these yet. If anyone sees these in their local stores, please let us know. One of these days, I'll find a way for people to virtually 'stick a pin' on a map so we can track these roll outs better.

(Via Toys N Bricks)

Toys R Us has Stormtrooper Polybags (US)

FBTB.net is reporting that Toys R Us stores in the US are starting to sell LEGO Star Wars set 300005, Imperial Speeder Bike, for $3.99 USD. Formerly a UK Daily Mirror exclusive, you now have the opportunity to pick some up and add to your stormtrooper armies. 

Right now on BrickLink the lowest list price for these minfigs is hovering around this price if not a little higher. The Toys R Us offer may be more economical, given that you get a small contingent of bricks to accompany your fig. Take into consideration, however, that BrickLink store owners may also be buying these up, increasing supply, and driving down prices. Although not a guarantee, you may see prices go down on BrickLink in the near future. Either way, good news for the Emperor to boost his LEGO armies!

(Via FBTB.net)

Quick Hits: Shopping News

It seems like every year retailers push the Christmas shopping season up more and more. If Halloween isn't careful, they might start playing 'Silver Bells' in October. Christmas also means that retailers are competing for your dollars, and this year is no exception. I've already begun to see the 20/30/40% sales on LEGO, as well as the infamous BOGOs. I'm certain Amazon will start having their 'gold box' daily deals any minute now. So what is a thrifty parent or collector to do? I'm going to do something a little 'unorthodox' here. I'm going to recommend you visit other LEGO sites...

Although the command center is staffed with my minifig minions, I'm the only purveyor of news on the site (not counting Cygnetron). It's for this reason that I just can't compete with the legions of forum members who post every little sale they come across. With that said, I would recommend checking in regularly with Toys N Bricks and FBTB.net for sales in North America, Brickset for deals in the UK, and Bricks Down Under in Australia. I'm certain there are other regional sites and blogs that cover your area, but I've found 99.9% of the sales and deals come through these sites. I will continue to mention certain pieces relevant to the LEGO minifigure universe, but some of these deals can pop up fast and go out faster than I can keep up with. Also, check in with these sites directly, as RSS feeds can be delayed. So much so that certain deals may be gone by the time you see them in your feed. Now, speaking of minifig related deals...

Toys R Us (US) re-released the LEGO Star Wars Chrome Stormtrooper polybag last night...and they were promptly snatched up online (see what I mean!) The website currently lists them as being in stores, but won't do a store location search for you. Listed at $2.99 USD, this may be one of your last chances to pick one of these puppies up.

Toys N Bricks is reporting that Wal-Mart (US) is putting LEGO Prince of Persia sets on clearance. Some fantastic figures and accessories for the collector or customizer. Some discounts have placed the Desert Attack set as low as $3.00 USD! The catch? Wal-Mart must apply some scientific algorithm to determine how to price clearance items. The deals vary from store to store, but at such deep discounts, it's worth a quick trip. Thanks to Toys N Bricks for the news.

I've mentioned over the past couple days that FireStar Toys has some new product in stock including the new Hazel Fantasy custom accessories, LEGO Harry Potter minifigs, and even a new Dr. Who custom. This is currently the only place where you can pick up new Hazel Fantasy product, although they should be available soon through the Amazing Armory website and United Armory. UK based FireStar does ship internationally so there are no issues there. If you needed yet another reason to check them out, you can use coupon/voucher code 'KV882256' to get an additional 10% off your order now through January 2011.

Even LEGO.com is getting in the Christmas spirit! They continue to offer double VIP points and free shipping or orders above $99 USD through December 14th. I also noticed that you can receive an extra bonus of 50 VIP points when you buy the LEGO Kingdoms King's Castle before November 12th. So head on over to the the LEGO Holiday Gift Shop today. Do remember that an order that originates from the site earns us a small commission, which we will use to help extend services and bring new content. Just click on the banner at the top of the page or the link above.

That's all for now. Happy Holidays and let the LEGO sales and deals season begin...

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

New Elements in 2011 LEGO City Sets

Brickset reported earlier today that ToysRUs.com has some pics of the 2011 LEGO City police sets. Big deal, right? Well...

As you can see from the picture of set 7279, LEGO City Police Minifigure Collection, there are some new elements of interest including crowbars, a backpack that can hold items, a flashlight, and a dog with print resembling a German Shepherd. All this for $9.99 USD. Not so 'meh' after all. Nice to see TLG extending the idea of 'minifigure packs' into other lines.

If you would like to see more, then head on over to Brickset or ToysRUs.com.

TRU Bricktober Concludes (CAN/US)

My coverage of the Toys R Us Bricktober promotions have been nearly non-existent. I mentioned the first week of the promotion before I left and was then out for two of the subsequent weeks. This weekend kicks off the final for this promotion in the US and Canada.

If you would like to see the details of the various sales and offers this week I would recommend Toys N Bricks, who I often turn to for LEGO sales information in North America. They currently have the Canadian sales info up and will likely have the US details up later today.

What is of more interest to me are the vintage minifigure magnets that have been available each week. You are eligible to take one of these home if you spend $20 in the US and $35 in Canada (while supplies last, of course). This week's offering is a LEGO Castle Black Falcon knight. The past offers have been for a LEGO City Fire Chief, a Western Cavalry Colonel, and a Pirates Imperial Soldier.

The offer is available at the TRU website and in stores. Do pay attention to how deals stack online. If I recall correctly, the free minifig offer may not combine with other deals and require additional purchases to take advantage of both.

(Via Toys N Bricks)

Quick Hits: While You Were Out

>initiate Cygnetron 3000 auto blogging system...

>...command?...Cygnetron 3000 shutdown...password?...

>...password confirmed..returning control to human overlords...ha...ha...ha...

Very funny Cygnetron. Remind me to update your humor AI chip next time I'm out. That's the last time I purchase an 'auto blogging system' on Woot!

Greetings citizens! I'm now in the process of getting up to speed now that I'm back from vacation. In the grand tradition of cramming a lot of information into one bite-sized post, I give you 'Quick Hits - While You Were Out' edition...

As I'm sure you all know by now, LEGO.com updated their website recently. With that came new mini-sites for NinjaGO and Pharaoh's Quest. The NinjaGO site appears to have content that will unlock over time, while the Pharaoh's Quest teaser unveils itself in a similar fashion to what was used when the Atlantis line first launched. Both lines have strong custom potential. I'm also now convinced that JasBrick is a minifig designer for TLG, unbeknownst to him. Thanks to Brickset for getting me up to speed.

Bricktober is in full swing at Toys R Us. Not only are there great deals each week on LEGO items, there's a new vintage minifigure magnet available for LEGO purchases above $20 USD. We are now in week three and the minifig magnet this week is a City Fire Chief (picture via Toys N Bricks). Like other LEGO magnets, the figure can be removed from the base. If shopping online, be careful on how the various deals 'stack'. Brickset reports that the minifig promo and the BOGO 50% off deal may not 'play nice' together.

Nannan Z. has kicked off the 2010 Creations for Charity event in support of Toys for Tots. The various LEGO creations donated will be auctioned off to raise money for this worthy cause. It would be fantastic to see a good turnout from the custom minifig community. Click through to the link above for more details.

In customization news, Tin_7 was on a roll recently with new designs for his Last Airbender series and new Iron Man customs. Lots of great stuff to peruse and admire. Justin puts in a lot of effort into his work and it shows. He also has some fantastic designs for Quidditch uniform decals for houses other than Gryffindor and Slytherin.

Legoagogo was recently honored with a post on The Brothers Brick for his vignette focused on a Stormtrooper's wardrobe dilemma. Mark continues to 'wow' by combining great composition and lighting with wit and humor. Case in point? Take a look at his alternate view of the closing scene from Empire Strikes Back.

Before the break, I mysteriously mentioned 'the triumphant return of a familiar custom house'. The 'custom house' in question is Amazing Armory Ltd. and customizers like JasBrick and Pedro have been giving us a taste of what's to come. I've been talking with Hazel Tam, who heads up this outfit, and I'm happy to say that what he's shared with me about plans for the future are sure to astonish. All I can say for now is that these items will be available very soon, and you can purchase yours at United Armory and FireStar Toys (link above), to name a few.

Tiny Tactical has been on a roll recently. Not only have their latest products like the Panzerschreck, Handy Talkies, and TL-122 flashlights been selling out, they have recently announced even more new and innovative products. The new stuff includes a M9A1 anti-tank rifle grenade that works with a BrickArms M1 Garand Rifle, a minifig-scale wristwatch, and a cricket signal device. Pictures of the forthcoming items can be seen on Flickr. You can also visit the Tiny Tactical BrickLink store today.

There's a lot more to see from the past week on my Flickr favorites. I'm still working on catching up on all the great stuff out there. Apologies if I missed something in the process. I'll also be posting some new pics soon of recent BrickForge and TT deliveries.

That's all for now, citizens. Back to getting this show on the road...

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

Toys R Us Bricktober is Back (CAN/US)

Combining some sales info from both Toys N Bricks and FBTB.net leads to some interesting possibilities come this weekend at Toys R Us.

First up, it would seem that Toys R Us in Canada is bringing back the 'Bricktober' promotion come this Friday. There are two promo offers up for grabs...

• Get a FREE 30050 MINI Republic Attack Shuttle with any LEGO Star Wars purchase of $35 or more. Offer good while supplies last.
• Get a FREE LEGO minifigure with any LEGO purchase of $35 or more. Offer good while supplies last.

As FBTB.net mentions it is not known if these deals stack, or if you have to pick one. The free minifigure appears to be from the Pirates line according to the flyer. If the promotion stays true to form from last year, there may be a different minifig up for grabs each week.

There is no confirmation if 'Bricktober' will be coming to the US. This may be announced later this week, as the Canadian deals often go into effect on Fridays while they often start on Sundays in the US.

Over on Toys N Bricks, they've announced that Toys R Us in the US has taken an additional 25% off certain clearance items in store. This deal can stack with the Star Wars offer where you get a $10 gift card for a $50 purchase or a $5 gift card for a $30 purchase. Not only that, you can get a coupon code at Toys N Bricks for $5 off any purchase over $25. If you stack all of these deals together, the savings add up.

Also keep in mind that LEGO Harry Potter is likely to release this Friday in retail outlets across the country. If you are looking to get any of the great minifigures from this series, these deals can only help!

(Via FBTB.net and Toys N Bricks)

TRU Buy 2 Get 1 Free Starts Today (US)

As first seen on Toys N Bricks, Toys R Us stores in the US are offering a 'buy 2, get 1 free' offer on all LEGO sets (excluding Star Wars and tubs). I personally went to my local TRU to do a little army building. The $11.99 sets like the Prince of Persia Desert Attack or the Toy Story Army Men on Patrol are always good for army building, while aiming for a little diversity.

The potential savings are 33% on each item, but only if you buy sets of equal value.

One other interesting item of note, the Toy Story poly bag set Alien Spaceship was on sale for $3.99. If you were looking to stock up on Little Green Men, then you could get one free for every two you buy!

The sale goes through next Saturday (9/25). Check TRU.com or call your local store for details.

(Via Toys N Bricks)

Series 2 Roll Out: Canada and UK (London)

Toys N Bricks is reporting the Canadian Toys R Us stores are now receiving the Series 2 Collectible Minifigures. Unlike the US, Wal-Mart was the one of the first retailers to get the sets in up north; however, they appear to have largely sold out. TRU may be one of your last opportunities to score some of these items outside of the secondary market.

Huw from Brickset was in London earlier in the week and did some 'hunting' in his spare time. It would seem that the best bet for Londoners may be John Lewis on Oxford Street. Dozens of boxes were out on the shelves, allowing you to peruse the secondary barcodes and find what you need. Don't dawdle, however. Huw found that someone had already claimed all of the Spartan Warriors from several of the boxes!

Links to the original articles can be found below.

(Via Toys N Bricks and Brickset)