Manchester Arndale Lego Store

[ibecks]

My friend just sent me a photo of an empty unit in Manchester Arndale (downstairs in New Cannon Street Mall, next to Clinton's) with Lego Store branding on the front. It just says 'Coming Soon - Opening 2011*' As I work in the Arndale I'm considering just declaring myself bankrupt now to save time! ;)

Does anyone know any further details about this?

*Yes, 2011, from what I can see from the photo! Oops.

ETA: Manager job listing here Jobs at Lego

This states expected start date as July 2012

Further ETA photos:

Edited June 1, 2012 by ibecks

[escortmad79]

STILL no sign of one in Scotland!!

[Brickity]

Well, good for Manchester.. I guess. I still wonder when will Mexico get at least one store, I'm sicking tired of waiting for miraculous summer vacations that lead my family to a trip to the U.S.

[Trent]

I can't wait for this. I hope they have a good sized PAB.

[ibecks]

I can't wait for this. I hope they have a good sized PAB.

Me too! The idea of having a PAB I can check as often as I want is so exciting :)

[Praiter Yed]

This is good news for me as I live between Manchester and Liverpool so now I'll have a choice of which store to visit.

That said, it seems odd to open one so close to the Discovery Centre - if the Trafford Centre Store was half decent maybe there would be no need to open a Lego shop in Manchester City Centre and they could provide a much needed service to people like escortmad79 who seems quite upset by this.

[ibecks]

This is good news for me as I live between Manchester and Liverpool so now I'll have a choice of which store to visit.

That said, it seems odd to open one so close to the Discovery Centre - if the Trafford Centre Store was half decent maybe there would be no need to open a Lego shop in Manchester City Centre and they could provide a much needed service to people like escortmad79 who seems quite upset by this.

Isn't the Discovery Centre one run by the company that runs the theme parks, rather than Lego Group themselves, hence not stocking the Exclusives? It is a very poor excuse for a Lego store, so I hope a city centre one will do well.

[Trent]

Yeah, the Trafford Centre one is a bit of a misnomer...it's purely there to utilise the pester power that must be immense when children come out of the experience. It's a bit like the one at Legoland (and as you say, not owned by Lego themselves) - you might as well go to WHSmiths!

I'm very pleased that it's ended up in the Arndale, as I don't drive, so trips to the Trafford Centre are rare. However, I've always loved going for days out to Manchester City Centre and this is the icing on the cake!

[Miss Kyle]

Another reason to love Manchester <3

[ibecks]

A bit more about it here

[Ash]

A bit more about it here

July! Awesome. I'm really looking forward to this. I've never even been to a proper Lego store before.

[Holmes]

Does anyone know about getting a job here? (other than the management position) I'm a post grad student who's going to need a part time job very soon, plus I'm a massive lego fan and this shop will be ten minutes walk from my house.

[escortmad79]

Does anyone know about getting a job here? (other than the management position) I'm a post grad student who's going to need a part time job very soon, plus I'm a massive lego fan and this shop will be ten minutes walk from my house.

http://jobsatlego.com/united-kingdom/manchester/retail/jobid2510308-sales-associates-manchester-jobs

[ibecks]

Very insignificant news, but I walked past yesterday and noticed the sign has been updated to say opening 2012, not 2011. When I say updated, they've added a bit of vinyl over the top of the old date.

[ibecks]

The Arndale store is opening tomorrow. I'm assuming this is the 'soft' opening... Manchester Arndale Lego Store

[tbroyd]

Next months Milton Keynes store newsletter on Lego site states

"Make sure to come to

Manchester Arndale on the

24th, 25th, and 26th August

to our grand store opening!

Get a different exclusive

free gift on each day when

you spend £25 or more!

Plus, take part in some

unforgettable building

activities!"

[ibecks]

Next months Milton Keynes store newsletter on Lego site states

"Make sure to come to

Manchester Arndale on the

24th, 25th, and 26th August

to our grand store opening!

Get a different exclusive

free gift on each day when

you spend £25 or more!

Plus, take part in some

unforgettable building

activities!"

D@mmit! I'm in the US in August. :( <sulk>

[Ash]

While the official opening isn't until August the store is actually open now. I went today with my son and we had a great time. I took a few pics if anyone wants to check it out: http://brickfanatics.co.uk/a-visit-to-the-manchester-lego-store/

[ibecks]

Yeah, I went on Friday and while it was quiet around 9am, by lunchtime it was full of people loving the new store. I'm a bit gutted to miss the grand opening though - just hoping they don't do any really amazing exclusive sets as promos!

While the official opening isn't until August the store is actually open now. I went today with my son and we had a great time. I took a few pics if anyone wants to check it out: http://brickfanatics.co.uk/a-visit-to-the-manchester-lego-store/

[______]

YES! I visit Manchester a few times every year, I have to see an official LEGO shop. I'll be like a kid in a sweet shop!

[Praiter Yed]

More details of the grand opening weekend are now online.

Join us for the Grand Opening Celebration of the LEGO® Store at Arndale Shopping Centre from 24-26 August 2012!

Build and add your masterpiece to the LEGO structure during our 3-day Freebuild in Exchange Court! You'll receive a free Certificate of Achievement in store for participating!

Plus, the first 300 customers to make a £25 purchase each day at the LEGO Store will receive one of these exclusive giveaways!

Friday, 24th: Free Exclusive LEGO Store Manchester T-Shirt

Saturday, 25th: Free Limited-Edition LEGO Store Set!

Sunday, 26th: Free Exclusive LEGO Minifigure Set!

Offers valid while supplies last only. T-shirts available in child size only.

I think I could live without a child size Lego T-Shirt but the other offers sound good - I wonder what the exclusive minifigs will be.

[Bobsy]

Sigh. I miss the days when there was a Lego Store in Birmingham. There's a Midlands-shaped hole in their coverage now. Oh, and Scotland too, I guess.

[Andyrccar]

I really hope they will give away the mini lego store

[morcianknight]

Sigh. I miss the days when there was a Lego Store in Birmingham. There's a Midlands-shaped hole in their coverage now. Oh, and Scotland too, I guess.

Still nothing in the South West!

[spzero]

Hi All i just got a postcard from lego informing me of a new lego store in Manchester, not like they need another one, Surely there are other cities without a store unlike Manchester which has a store with a Discovery Center. Just thought I'd let everyone know.

Also The card entitles the first 500 purchases made by people with the postcard to grab a special gift, (i assume its a minifigure store opening set like the others have had) and the 1st 100 purchases of £25.00 or over each of the 3 day event will get a differnet gift, with or without postcard. (I assume some mini kit)

What time do people normally get there to ensure they will get the free gifts, will people camp the night before its only a few mini-figs but would like a set and would hate to miss out, I wont camp to get them but happy to get there a few hours early if there's a few other afols about to chat with etc. Also would hate to get there two hours before opening and look like a complete looser all alone.

Anyone have experiences of attending store openings and length of queuees to get in? thanks