escortmad79 Posted November 19, 2010 Posted November 19, 2010 Why can't you have your backpack in the store The spiel on the notice as you walk into the UK stores is that shopping bags aren't allowed in store.
fred67 Posted November 19, 2010 Author Posted November 19, 2010 I agree that it is misleading but the BOGO50 is nice for part packs like Creator sets. I haven't paid full price for a Creator set in almost a year. Another good thing about Creator sets is they are almost always MSRP. I take what they give. You just have to read the fine print and see if it is worth going to the store or online to buy stuff. I'm not disputing it's a nice sale for some sets.
The Green Brick Giant Posted November 19, 2010 Posted November 19, 2010 (edited) Oh thats kinda reasonable but wouldn't the alarm things just go off? Not always, but even if it did TRU has no legal right to even open my bag. You can steal from any place, they are security guards and not police. They are really only for show. My backpack was PACKED! I couldn't fit anything else in there. i went on a trip and came back on a bus that was near TRU. My point is they told me i would have to leave my bag at the service desk when women don't need to leave their purses there. That's sexist! They had three people come over, I got hear the walkie talkies as everyone was acting like I had a bomb in my bag. I gave the bag to the service deck, looked at LEGOs for 5 minutes and took 15 minutes for someone to get my bag. I have been in a TRU after 3 times sense, including yesterday when they made it a BRU/TRU. So megabluck TRU, megabluck them hard, I hope they go out of business and I will and laugh my megablocks off, I megablocking hate them with the strength of 10 suns. Edited November 19, 2010 by The Green Brick Giant
Tyrant Posted November 19, 2010 Posted November 19, 2010 It's not just to do with any tags, the alarm is set off by the barcodes if they're not scanned at the checkout properly too Without leading this where some probably don't want it to go, I will say that if that is the case it is a very recent development. The deal with the magnetic tags has been proven to my satisfaction (legally, to be crystal clear).
Tyrant Posted November 19, 2010 Posted November 19, 2010 Not always, but even if it did TRU has no legal right to even open my bag. You can steal from any place, they are security guards and not police. They are really only for show. I don't think you're right on that. Yes, they are just security guards. However, if you are stealing something they can detain you. If you refuse to let them search you (which I believe you can do), then they will just keep you there until the police show up and then they will search you. It may take them a few minutes to come up with something resembling probable cause (your refusal to be searched, coupled with setting off the alarms is likely enough) before they search you. If I'm wrong, go try to run when they try to stop you and sue them when they detain you. My point is they told me i would have to leave my bag at the service desk when women don't need to leave their purses there. That's sexist! They had three people come over, I got hear the walkie talkies as everyone was acting like I had a bomb in my bag. I gave the bag to the service deck, looked at LEGOs for 5 minutes and took 15 minutes for someone to get my bag.I have been in a TRU after 3 times sense, including yesterday when they made it a BRU/TRU. So megabluck TRU, megabluck them hard, I hope they go out of business and I will and laugh my megablocks off, I megablocking hate them with the strength of 10 suns. I've seen a very similar policy in a lot of places. This isn't restricted to TRU, or even uncommon for that matter. Is it sexist, maybe. Just like how it's some type of discrimination that they allow people to bring in strollers and baby bags (lots of hiding room right there). Try taking a purse in next time and see if it really is sexist. They aren't going to go out of business because they don't let people bring in back packs. If they go out of business, you will play the smallest part possible (small enough to be considered non existant in the grand scheme of things) in that so I'm not sure what you're cheering other then allowing Wal Mart to be able to further dictate what is and is not made in the toy market. Hate TRU all you want, but their existance is a net benefit to anyone who buys toys even if you don't buy very many (or any) at TRU. What happens to all of the TRU exclusives? Do they suddenly go to Target or Wal Mart? In your dreams. That's fewer sets per year. TRU was the main store to buy into the collectible figures that helped show the other stores that they could be a profitable venture. There go future "risky" ventures like that. Their sales may suck (especially if you're a SW fan), but they can be made to work and they are greater than almost any sale you will ever see at WM (or S@H), obviously excluding clearance. They are a net benefit to this hobby, no matter what you think about their policy regarding shoulder bags. Having said that, this type of promoting is shameful. At this point though, it seems to be par for the course.
The Green Brick Giant Posted November 19, 2010 Posted November 19, 2010 I do not have a car, I take a backpack everywhere because those reusable bags are horrible. I have never ever had an issues in any store I have ever gone into and that is dozens and dozens... besides one, TRU. If Borders or B&N tried the BS that TRU does no one would be left in the store. And you can run, but that looks guilty when the cops come, but I don't steal things. I have talked to a mall guard before, he told me that they are there just for show and have no real power. If there is a serious issue they are there to call the cops, that they can't even legally touch you, never mind your bag. If you say no to opening the bag they don't really do anything, however people are too stupid not to say no. He was a nice guy, talked to him for a bit, explained that most of the time things being stolen are down by 13-15 year olds and they don't know any better, so when they are told to open the bag they do and there is the stuff. Sadly their parents never told them not to steal... hell where I live it's more likely that the parents told the kids to steal something.
Tyrant Posted November 19, 2010 Posted November 19, 2010 I do not have a car, I take a backpack everywhere because those reusable bags are horrible. I have never ever had an issues in any store I have ever gone into and that is dozens and dozens... besides one, TRU. If Borders or B&N tried the BS that TRU does no one would be left in the store. I've never seen anything bordering on a noticeable number of people with backpacks at Borders or B&N and this includes Lafayette (home of Purdue University), Indianapolis (state capital), Bloomington (home of IU), and Evansville (I believe the largest city in southern Indiana, but I could be mistaken). Those are just the ones I go to with any regularity and not the ones I have been to across the country where this trend continues. In fact, in the one place I expect to see a lot of this (a college book store) is where I have sees giant racks for people to leave their bags away from the merchandise so they don't steal things. Maybe I have simply witnessed a scewed sample or I go into the stores at exactly the right moment to not see backpack wearing individuals, it's possible I suppose. Either way, hating a store for a policy that you should've been aware was at least a possibility is absurd. I have sympathy for your situation, but stores can set whatever policies they like (that fall within the bounds of legality, which telling you that you can't bring in a backpack is covered by). I concede that it may be biased to favor women (I honestly doubt it though). Keep on hating though, it's your right. By the way, I'm not trying to make this some kind of anti backpack rant. I more or less agree with your statement that it's absurd that women can carry giant handbags but they ban backpacks. What I am saying is that they can do just that if they feel like it (and as a consequence you have a right to dislike them for that). Just like they can demand you wear a shirt and shoes. and I think it's silly to wish the death of a company that benefits this hobby, even if it's only indirectly for those who don't actually shop there. And you can run, but that looks guilty when the cops come, but I don't steal things. I have talked to a mall guard before, he told me that they are there just for show and have no real power. If there is a serious issue they are there to call the cops, that they can't even legally touch you, never mind your bag. If you say no to opening the bag they don't really do anything, however people are too stupid not to say no. He was a nice guy, talked to him for a bit, explained that most of the time things being stolen are down by 13-15 year olds and they don't know any better, so when they are told to open the bag they do and there is the stuff. Sadly their parents never told them not to steal... hell where I live it's more likely that the parents told the kids to steal something. I don't buy that. I have read, repeatedly, of security guards (plain clothes guards for that matter) detaining people at Wal Marts in my area while they call the police and have the people arrested. The guards at that mall either had no actual power or were horribly misinformed because guards can and do detain people and aren't normally sued into oblivion. They probably can't pursue you once you leave the store, but while you are in the store they can try to detain you. In fact, here is a breakdown of the relevant law in California (the first one I could find) and it may also explain (in the last paragraph, specifically aimed at mall security guards) why the individual you spoke with said what he said. In short, a mall security guard guards the mall, not the individual stores (which are rented) unless they have entered into an agreement with the mall to allow mall security act as individual store security. There are things you can refuse, and there are steps they can take (which include non lethal force) if they think you are stealing from them. Also, it appears from other sources that the 4th amendmant doesn't apply because they are a non governmental entity.
Legoman Posted November 20, 2010 Posted November 20, 2010 Wow guys, some of you have totally mis-understood Fred67, Leave him alone until you know what he's talking about. Yes, the US does have the best prices on lego in the world. This is, however, irrelevant. He's never mentioned anything about that fact. He's simply pointing out the fact of blatantly misleading advertising. Which Is very fair, considering that their so called 'sale' is very misleading to the consumer Yes, the US does have good prices, but at the end of the day, everyone want's it cheaper if they can - It's human instinct to want to save your pennys. The fact is, The advertisement said BOGO50%off ALL lego. They could have said lego, then written the exclusions. But deliberately writing ALL lego in big letters is a bit far if they aren't going to tell you that there are exclusions until you look much ferther and far more carefully. If you don't understand, then leave it, he knows what he's talking about, you don't need to be harsh to him For the record, It is a blatently misleading advertisement, and this would be against the CGA and FTA (Consumer Garantee's Act, and Fair Trading Act, respectively) in New Zealand. I'm not sure what similar laws you have in the states, but if they hadn't said 'excluding ______' In the original advertisement, it's void. Either way, it's definately pritty sad of TRU to go that far And on the other topic of having to carry your bag in your hand, that's fairly common in a few places around the world, piticularly in shops were there isn't much space in a store, and also where fragile items are vaunrable. If you're wearing a bag and turn around in a small area, you may knock things off shelves. So it's really for your sake as much as it is theirs
prateek Posted November 20, 2010 Posted November 20, 2010 If you want, you can buy two SW sets and show them just the promo that says ALL Lego BOGO 1/2 off, and if they tell you otherwise, make them feel guilty and tell them, as a business, they should honour their mistake. If they don't, threaten them by saying you'll never come back and go to another TRU
Legoman Posted November 20, 2010 Posted November 20, 2010 If you want, you can buy two SW sets and show them just the promo that says ALL Lego BOGO 1/2 off, and if they tell you otherwise, make them feel guilty and tell them, as a business, they should honour their mistake. If they don't, threaten them by saying you'll never come back and go to another TRU Good thinking mate You could try that seeing as the promo is very open to interpretation
Galaxy Explorer Posted November 20, 2010 Posted November 20, 2010 Plain and simple: the ad should not say all when all is not included. A better way to make it more clear would be to say "BOGO on select lego themes" and then list those themes. Seems pretty clear to me! Now let me ask you this, fred67- Do you just collect LEGO Star Wars? If so, that sucks because TRU really jacks those prices up. However, if you go for CITY and other themes, then use that coupon!! After reading your rant (which I feel was completely justified) I went to my local TRU here in Chicago and found the new Police Station for $100, and then saw the Public Transport on sale for $80. Using the coupon knocked the price of the Transport down to $40! Hell of a deal!! So hopefully you can get some good out of this bad experience! Good luck!
Praetorian Posted November 20, 2010 Posted November 20, 2010 The spiel on the notice as you walk into the UK stores is that shopping bags aren't allowed in store. They also have a sign that states they "reserve the right to search any bag as you leave the store". This is meaningless as there is no law or statute that permits them to search bags. No shop can override the law by putting a sign up.
lady_bricker Posted November 20, 2010 Posted November 20, 2010 (edited) pics in the flickr group for LEGO shopping show that some TRUs marked up sets $5-10 just for their BOGO sale. :/ charming. it's the people who aren't aware of the msrp that get caught .. the grandmas and the kids spending their birthday money. buyer beware! Edited November 20, 2010 by lady_bricker
fred67 Posted November 20, 2010 Author Posted November 20, 2010 Plain and simple: the ad should not say all when all is not included. A better way to make it more clear would be to say "BOGO on select lego themes" and then list those themes. Seems pretty clear to me! Now let me ask you this, fred67- Do you just collect LEGO Star Wars? If so, that sucks because TRU really jacks those prices up. However, if you go for CITY and other themes, then use that coupon!! After reading your rant (which I feel was completely justified) I went to my local TRU here in Chicago and found the new Police Station for $100, and then saw the Public Transport on sale for $80. Using the coupon knocked the price of the Transport down to $40! Hell of a deal!! So hopefully you can get some good out of this bad experience! Good luck! My son gave me his Christmas list. One of the items is a DS game bundle TRU exclusive, so I printed the coupon, made sure I had my TRU loyalty card, and thought I'd go see if I could find anything. As lady_bricker points out, even BOGO50 is pretty lame at usual TRU prices, but I found a couple of sets I'd given up on... King's Castle (I already have the fantasy castle, and while I think King's Castle is great, I just wasn't ready to spend another $100), and Toy Story 3 Train Chase... similar to how I felt about King's Castle, I collect trains, but just wanted this for show, and gave up on it as too expensive. So they were both already on sale below MSRP... King's Castle was $85 ($15 off MSRP) and the train was $68 ($12 off MSRP), and that was before the BOGO50. I ended up with those two, plus two Knight's Showdown sets(*) which were $1 over MSRP ($8/each) so got two for $12, and the stupid free play mat, for $130 before taxes. MSRP would be $194. So... not stuff that was very high on my list, but not too bad.
Mrlegoninja Posted November 21, 2010 Posted November 21, 2010 Good thinking mate You could try that seeing as the promo is very open to interpretation I think that you should also bring a child and tell him/her if they don't let you have the BOGO50% for the items you want, have them rant on Toys R Us and how it sucks. It could make them feel extra guilty.
gotoAndLego Posted November 21, 2010 Posted November 21, 2010 I'm currently happy with TRU because I snagged one of their Tie Defenders for 50% off.
prozac Posted December 5, 2010 Posted December 5, 2010 Was at TRU today and the prices on all the 2011 sets have been jacked up: Pyramid - 109.99 sphinx - 54.99 mummy attack - 21.99 angler fish - 21.99 cursed cobra - 32.99 When I was there on tuesday all the prices were regular.
def Posted December 5, 2010 Posted December 5, 2010 Why can't you have your backpack in the store As some have said, it's because teens often shoplift. When I working at TRU, if a teen boy was spending too much time in the aisle, we'd spy on them from the second floor in the back area, above the overstock, and then catch them if they stole. And, often, they stole, and then they cried after getting caught. You can call it discrimination, but it is fair business practices. As for the alarm going off, it depends on the store, but small, expensive items had the magnetic strips. In my store, we only put it on video games. Basically, it was a fake UPC put onto the package. It was demagnetized when run over the demagnetizer perpendicular to the scanner at the checkout. But, we never put it on Lego, since the boxes were difficult to steal.
JCC1004 Posted December 6, 2010 Posted December 6, 2010 As for the alarm going off, it depends on the store, but small, expensive items had the magnetic strips. In my store, we only put it on video games. Basically, it was a fake UPC put onto the package. It was demagnetized when run over the demagnetizer perpendicular to the scanner at the checkout. But, we never put it on Lego, since the boxes were difficult to steal. My TRU puts them on a lot of items. They have the straps on them and one of the strips too. The employees at my store NEVER deactivate them. I was walking out with some sets and the alarm goes off. People start looking at me then I go up to the counter and pull my receipt out. They say they'll hold the button for me or take the item out and deactivated it. I try again and it goes off again. I look over at the clerk and she just tells me to go... That is a problem for me. This happens pretty much all the time with me. Also this BOGO 1/2 Off this Friday and Saturday excluded Star Wars and other themes and I needed to print out a coupon for it to apply to SW, etc. Then there was that whole "You can't buy the Bricktober magnets." when they are listed for 1.99 online. Also as Prozac said I hate their price gouging. It's the MSRP one day and the next they give the items their infamous mark up.
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