Sets discontinuing timeline?

[TheLegoDr]

Upon a search, the only one I found that was relevant didn't list any sets being discontinued and was from 2010, I think. So not particularly useful here.

My question is, other than the official page of "retiring soon" sets, is there any indication to when sets will be discontinued? Do they put all of the sets on that retiring soon page now?

There are certain sets I want that have been out for a while and people always say they expect it to be retired at this time, but is there any fact to the statement or just speculation?

My main concerns are the VW Camper Van released end of September 2011 and the Sopwith Camel released June 2012.

My speculation would assume the Camper Van will be going away sooner since it has been out longer, but I don't know anything officially. The Fire Brigade and Death Star have been around significantly longer than a lot of sets, so I'm not sure where to put my thoughts.

If anyone has information regarding those sets, then I'd be much appreciative.

Also, in the original post that I found in 2010, the plan was to list the sets that will be discontinued, but that is what I assume the "retiring soon" page is for.

Thanks in advance!!

[MECHALEX]

I was interested in picking up a few of the bigger Monster Fighter sets but my finances won't allow it for a while so I rang customer service and asked. I think they're happy to talk about stock for a few sets and will let you know if they're likely to be re-stocked or whether their current batch are probably the final one. However I guess it depends on sales, they may re-press (not sure of the apt term for Lego sets!) sets if they're selling in a particularly active way.

As always, there's no harm in asking!

[shaggysanchez]

If you are close to a Lego store and become friendly with the staff they will sometimes give you a heads up on things as well. The manager at my local store told me back in April that once his stock of Fire Brigades were gone he would not be getting anymore in stock. I don't think they can tell you exactly when something will go away for good as I am not sure they even know 100% for certain either but these little things do help. He is also good about pointing out sets I might want to get before others if I am interested in them.

[TheLegoDr]

Thanks for the tips.

I did contact customer service via e-mail first. If I don't get the proper answer, I will then call them. I wouldn't have thought about doing that. But I can understand what you are saying. A stock can dwindle down quickly or slowly depending on a lot of factors. I can understand why the Fire Brigade wouldn't be coming back though, that's been out a while. The sets I want aren't as old as that and they are exclusives, so that may help delay the EOL, but I thought I would ask them anyway.

I wouldn't say I'm super friendly with the people at my "local (3 hours away)" LEGO store, but I should ask the next time I am in anyway. Thanks for the tip.

[TheLegoDr]

To add, if anyone cares: They said they didn't know when they will be discontinued, but they will put them on the Retiring soon page. So I guess you can expect every set to be on the verge of end of life-ing to be put on there. So if it isn't on there now, I wouldn't be concerned. I guess I'll wait and see what happens with Fire Brigade and Grand Emporium, since those are supposedly going away this year too, but aren't on the Retiring Soon page yet.