Why no official LEGO store in Asia?

[Dat Lego]

This had me thinking, why is there no/planned official LEGO store in Asia? Surely it can't be because of the lack of enthusiasts, Singapore and Hong Kong has a pretty big LEGO fanbase as far as I'm concerned. Other than LEGOLAND Malaysia and specialized authorized LEGO retailers (e.g Bricksworld at Singapore) there hasn't been any official stores operated by TLG themselves. Is it because of market/economic condition or something else? TLG has announced that they'll be building a new factory in China alongside a distribution centre specially for Asian markets in the next few years, would this be the time TLG makes some new stores in Asia?

If there has been a similar thread like this before in the past, moderators feel free to lock/merge this. I couldn't find anything with the search function.

[Kivi]

It was in the news recently that Lego is experiencing a huge sales growth in Asia. If it keeps it up, it might result in opening a franchise store there some day. Logistics might be one reason for not having already opened a store, as one single store in this part of the world would have been quite isolated and probably too far away from their distribution lines. Anyway, I keep my fingers crossed for you.

[caramelcata]

I'm pretty sure I've seen a couple in Beijing. There's a flagship store in the CBD at China World Trade Center (国贸). There are also a smaller scale shops scattered around Beijing in random shopping arcades and centres. Other than Beijing though, I can't say I've seen them anywhere else. I know there is supposed to be another flagship store in Guangdong.

[DPrime]

This is surprising to me. What about Tokyo? Is Lego not big enough in Japan, land of cool collectible toys???

What about Dubai? (Technically part of Asia, though I'm sure most people would say "Middle East".)

[Dat Lego]

I'm pretty sure I've seen a couple in Beijing. There's a flagship store in the CBD at China World Trade Center (国贸). There are also a smaller scale shops scattered around Beijing in random shopping arcades and centres. Other than Beijing though, I can't say I've seen them anywhere else. I know there is supposed to be another flagship store in Guangdong.

I never knew there were any official stores in China, or are they just authorized retailers?

This is surprising to me. What about Tokyo? Is Lego not big enough in Japan, land of cool collectible toys???

What about Dubai? (Technically part of Asia, though I'm sure most people would say "Middle East".)

Not at Japan as far as I know. You're probably thinking about Clickbrick, an authorized LEGO retailer, (I think they're the largest LEGO retailer in Japan) They're not an official franchise store as far as I know.

[caramelcata]

I never knew there were any official stores in China, or are they just authorized retailers?

I can't exactly say I know what the difference is but I am pretty sure they are legit Lego stores. Afterall TLG is opening a new office in Shanghai soon so there's bound to be official stores popping up all over.

Just a curious question. I always order my Lego online over at Amazon or Taobao (Chinese Ebay), I was wondering whether buying from an official store would be any cheaper?

Edited September 21, 2013 by caramelcata

[Lego Spy]

What about Tokyo? Is Lego not big enough in Japan, land of cool collectible toys???

They're too busy with Pokémon! Sorry, I had to say that. (Avid fan of Lego and Pokémon)

I don't know why, but I don't find it too surprising that there aren't any. I don't know why.

[Hey Joe]

I'm pretty sure I've seen a couple in Beijing. There's a flagship store in the CBD at China World Trade Center (国贸). There are also a smaller scale shops scattered around Beijing in random shopping arcades and centres. Other than Beijing though, I can't say I've seen them anywhere else. I know there is supposed to be another flagship store in Guangdong.

Hi, the 'flagship' store (and others) that you're referring to aren't owned by Lego to the best of my knowledge. The company that owns them is called Kidsland. I don't know much about them, but I believe that the minority partner is Toys R Us. The majority partner COULD be Lego (or maybe they're another minority partner), but is probably a local Chinese company.

Anyway, I'm thinking that Lego may go the very expensive route of opening their own stores here in China in the future once they get the factory up-and-running, but it's probably better for a host of reasons to primarily use Kidsland for now.

Joe

Edited September 22, 2013 by Hey Joe

[SandMirror38]

Been asking myself the same question concerning Australia

[Dat Lego]

Been asking myself the same question concerning Australia

Quite shocking Lego does not have an official store in Oz .What about South Korea? I've heard they had a franchise store, but I'm not sure. I think the stores would start popping up once the Chinese factory and distribution centre opens, Hope fully the Lego prices would go down too.