Plastic Coverings for Large/Expensive sets?

[nerdsforprez]

So I am living overseas for the next year in Korea (originally from the US) and I have now seen, in multiple stores, both those officially affiliated with TLG and those who are not plastic coverings on the larger/more expensive sets. 

 

Anyone know the reason for this and if this is part of the reason for the markup?  Even considering the exchange rate, my observations are that there is a 10-15% markup here in Korea.  If that is the reason then I think that would be ridiculous given that TLG packages are already stellar, IMO, to begin with...

[Johnny1360]

Do you mean like shrink wrap? I have never seen it done around here anyway, Midwest USA. It could be a theft deterrent, done in your region. You know how some people buy a set carefully open it remove pieces, then carefully reseal it and return for a refund. I actually had this happen to me with of all things a Nexo Knights set, some jerk removed all the minifigures then taped over the seals, it totally looked like an unopened set. Ever since then I very carefully examine all sets with extreme scrutiny, before purchase.

[nerdsforprez]

23 hours ago, Johnny1360 said:

Do you mean like shrink wrap? I have never seen it done around here anyway, Midwest USA. It could be a theft deterrent, done in your region. You know how some people buy a set carefully open it remove pieces, then carefully reseal it and return for a refund. I actually had this happen to me with of all things a Nexo Knights set, some jerk removed all the minifigures then taped over the seals, it totally looked like an unopened set. Ever since then I very carefully examine all sets with extreme scrutiny, before purchase.

Hmm.... that is a good point.  I would not doubt if that is it.  Although...it is not shrinkwrap, but that could still be a valid reason...

[Joe from Seoul]

I just left the Lego "discount" outlet near Yongsan. I saw a couple of sets with those plastic coverings, but there didn't seem to be a pattern. Higher price point sets were in their regular boxes, but relatively inexpensive sets had the plastic outer box added. Maybe there less problem with pilferage from the larger sets?

[paul_delahaye]

Do you not think it's just to stop young kids messing with the sets.  And it also makes the set look more classy.  It's surely just marketing.  A bit like putting a picture of the set on the front of the box rather than just putting a picture of the elements in the box.  Very often these larger sets have a display stand like the giant star wars ship which held it on an ankle.  I think it's just presentation.