LBR LUG Showcase Program Ownership & New Direction

[CopMike]

Hello and Good Afternoon LUG Ambassadors,

I am excited to share with you today an important update in regards to the LEGO Brand Retail (LBR) LUG Showcase Program. To those unaware, the LUG Showcase program has been offered by our colleagues in LBR for a number of years as a MOC display space for RLUGs. This program has taken a few different directions over the last decade and as we enter into 2015, we've once again evaulated this program and it's future.

Moving forward this program will no longer by owned and/or operated by the Community Engagement & Events (CEE) department in any capacity. As the program lives in our Brand Retail stores it makes more sense that administration also lives within this organization. As such, I will no longer be the primary point of contact on this initative so please ensure you address any questions, comments, or concerns directly towards your local LEGO Store Manager.

Several important changes have been introduced, in an effort to increase the local relevance and inspirational impact of these displays, while at the same time reducing the complexity of managing the program on an ongoing basis. There are two main changes to the program. The first is the transition from a small “Picture Frame” fixture into a “Brand Ribbon” fixture, which was previously communicated to some stores but should now be rolled out in all locations. For planning purposes, the interior dimensions of the Brand Ribbon fixture are 22” wide x 10” tall by 14” deep.

The second change is in the content of the display itself. The previous program had a rotating schedule, where new models were created and installed on a regular basis. In many locations, this proved difficult to manage for all parties involved, and created concerns with consistency of models, in terms of both appropriate content and quality of execution. The new program is designed to create a partnership between the LBR Store Manager and the LUG Ambassador to decide on a single model for permanent installation. This model should ideally reflect the local community, perhaps representing an iconic landmark or historical event in the area. The model will remain in the possession of the LBR Store, and the RLUG will receive a “reward” in return (please see store for details).

The new program will roll out immediately as of January 2015. However, in recognition of the time and dialogue required to coordinate with the local RLUG, stores may continue the existing display format through some or all of the first quarter (January - March).

I think this presents a very unique opportunity for RLUGs to have a truly inspirational build in their local store that highlights their creative building skills as a group with the LEGO brick but also shows the trust and support from LBR by allowing this as a permanent installation. As always, participation is completely voluntary but I hope many RLUGs take advantage of this opportunity.

Again as a reminder, please direct any and all questions and concerns to your local LBR Store Manager moving forward. It's been my pleasure managing this program for the past three years and I thank all involved during the process.

Happy New Year!

With Regards,

-Kevin Hinkle

[legoman19892]

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Edited January 5, 2015 by legoman19892

[Yatkuu]

This is very exciting! I wonder what the Minnesota LUG will do.

I am surprised that this first comment is such a positive one! In my opinion this is nothing but a terrible news.

First reduce the size of the display case, then this? Why bother keeping a window at all then?

I will hold my final judgement until I see how my local store will want to implement the program but I do not understand this decision.

"This model should ideally reflect the local community, perhaps representing an iconic landmark or historical event in the area."

What kind of image is this going to give of LUGs? A permanent model of something that will have nothing to do with the current themes, or contemporary culture references such as movies, games... The kids are going to find this boring and our club is going to be perceived as equally boring.

The other thing I find weird is that the program will no longer be managed by the Community team... But they still dictate the rules? Either you leave it up to the stores completely or you keep the control... This half independence does not make much sense to me.

[kibosh]

This is a terrible change in direction. What LEGO is really saying is that they want to discontinue the discount for displaying your model in the store. While that is bad news in and of itself, I'd still like to display my models periodically. Fresh content inspires creativity, not the same old thing.

And what AFOL is going to give up their creation for an extended period of time?

This was not well thought out at all.

[SavaTheAggie]

Perhaps I am mistaken, but I don't read this as saying an AFOL will be giving up his creation for an extended period of time.

I read this as saying an AFOL will be giving up his creation, period. "The model will remain in the possession of the LBR Store, and the RLUG will receive a “reward” in return (please see store for details)."

I think someone at LEGO doesn't like AFOLs in the LEGO stores.

--Tony

[kibosh]

Huh. I think you're right. It's very sad how LEGO just continues to take away more and more benefits. In case you hadn't heard yet, the stores no longer stack freebies. You now have to choose.

I may be choosing more and more to buy bulk bricks on the secondary market.

[Yatkuu]

I think someone at LEGO doesn't like AFOLs in the LEGO stores.

I don't think that is the real issue here and I don't even think the (limited) discounts/incentives are either.

this proved difficult to manage for all parties involved, and created concerns with consistency of models, in terms of both appropriate content and quality of execution.

This part right there tells me the program did not run smoothly everywhere. Some Stores perhaps had specific problems like inappropriate content being brought for display or lack of responsiveness from certain LUGs. These probably resulted in trouble for the store managers having to deal with customers' complaints and then had to loose time chasing a representative of the LUG or swapping windows content.

I don't want to start a debate here but some people get offended reeeeal fast these days so I would not be surprised that this is the bottom line of the issue here.

Better safe than sorry, instead of addressing these specific issues they chose to make a clear cut that would affect everyone.

I had the opportunity to read the set of rules that used to define the program before these changes were announced and I was very surprised to see how detailed these were. Obviously they want to have a strict control over what is going on in these display cases and that is totally fair. What is not fair though is to change the game for everyone while the trigger may have been some isolated cases (pun not intended, lol).