LEGO raises prices - buy now!
The official press release reads:
“The current global economic challenges due to the increase in raw materials and operating costs are having an impact on many businesses. Putting consumers first is at the heart of what we do as a business, and we have long been absorbing these costs to keep prices stable. However, as these costs have continued to grow rapidly, we have decided to increase the price of some of our sets. This increase will take effect in August and September. The increase will be different depending on the set and prices will change on about a quarter of the portfolio. On some sets we will not change the price, on others there will be a single-digit increase and on larger and more complex sets the percentage increase will be greater. We will continue to work to ensure that our products offer great value and we fully recognize how important this is to our fans and to all who love our products. " | ); }
The generalized increase in costs for raw materials, transport and energy is an indisputable fact. On the other hand, the decision to increase the list price of sets that have yet to arrive on the shelves, really leaves a sense of bitterness in the mouth because:
LEGO has been operating in an energy balanced regime since 2017, or that through the two off-shore wind farms of which it owns significant shares (Borkum Riffgrund 1, off the coast of Germany and Burbo Bank, installed in the waters of Liverpool Bay - UK), it produces as much electricity as all the offices consume, the Group's offices and factories operating all over the world. Therefore, the increase in the cost of electricity should not be a problem; As early as last March, LEGO released its 2021 financial data. Stellar results in terms of turnover and operating margin:
+ 27% turnover, + 33% margin, + 22% sales
“The LEGO Group has no plans to increase the recommended retail price (RRP) of its product portfolio. In Western Europe, we have taken steps to make recommended prices more consistent across countries starting in 2022. The recommended price of most LEGO sets will not change accordingly. However, on a small selection of sets, the recommended price will increase or decrease depending on the set and country. There are currently no plans to make such changes in other markets. "
the choice to increase prices and the timing of implementation of the choice" sounds "even worse.
Our advice?
Buy now, immediately, sets that you have planned to buy later, perhaps taking advantage of the Christmas period, the Black Friday offers or the discounts that periodically the various retailers (Amazon, Zavvi etc) apply on the most requested sets.
They are in fact above all the "adult" sets (which just a few days ago were renamed by LEGO in "ICONS") the products that will see the greatest increases, as mentioned also up to 25% (such as the brand new Ferrari Daytona SP3 which will go from 399.99 to 449.99 Euros or the Porsche 911 which goes from 139.99 to 169.99 euros).
The sets subject to increase
The following list includes a selection of the sets "coming" from the themes most loved by collectors and builders which will be increased.LEGO City # 60324 Mobile Crane
One of the coolest sets in the 2022 LEGO City theme. Increase 13% as you go from 39.99 to 44.99 euros.
LEGO Speed Champions # 76908 Lamborghini Countach
E '' one of the three "single car" sets of the new 2022 round of the Speed Champions theme. Increases by 25%, from 19.99 to 24.99 euros.
LEGO Disney (Princess) # 43207 Ariel's Underwater Palace
Set dedicated to the underwater world of the Little Mermaid and full of characters and accessories. Increases by 18%, from 84.99 to 99.99 euros.
LEGO Star Wars # 75329 Diorama Flight over the trench of the Death Star
It is one of three new "diorama" sets that reproduce iconic scenes from the original Trilogy of the saga.
Increases by 17%, from 59.99 to 69.99 euro.
LEGO Marvel # 76208 Thor's Drakkar
It is one of the two new sets dedicated to "Thor Love & Thunder" film soon to be released for the MCU.
Increases by 20%, from € 49.99 to € 59.99.
LEGO DC Batman # 76240 Batmobile Tumbler
New, modified and improved edition of the similar set # 76023 launched in 2014.
Increase by 17%, going from 229.99 to 269.99 euros.
LEGO Technic # 42115 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37
It was the third set of the pe line r adult collectors and petrol-heads of the LEGO Technic Ultimate Car Concept series.
Increases by 13%, from € 399.99 to € 449.99.
LEGO Creator Expert # 10265 Ford Mustang
It is the set that introduced functional steering to the series of sets dedicated to historic and iconic cars.
It increases by 21%, going from 139.99 to 169.99 euros.
What can I say? Happy shopping!
