Opening of Winnipeg’s first Lego store attracted large crowds. PHOTO: Helle Wilson
It was sizzling hot outside and inside the air-conditioned Polo Park Shopping Centre; it was also sizzling with excitement, when Lego enthusiasts gathered to be part of the grand opening of the new Lego store on the weekend of July 24.
In the Centre Court of the shopping centre, Lego fans could help Lego master builder Paul construct an eight-foot tall model of Star Wars character Yoda, completely out of Lego bricks and have their photos taken next to the model.
Nikki and Frank, Lego employees from Connecticut, were handing out a fun children’s Lego magazine, which kids can receive for free by signing up for Lego Club by going to the website: LEGO.com/club
Long lines also formed outside the Lego store on the second floor and visitors were not disappointed.
Lego stores can be found across the globe; now Winnipeg has one. PHOTO: Helle Wilson
The Lego store has a playful and colourful interior. Along the walls are displays showcasing the varied themed assembled Lego sets, which can be purchased in the store.
An interesting feature is the scanning device on the wall. By scanning the barcode on a box, a scene will show an animation of the Lego bricks being assembled and the size of the final Lego creation.
At the back of the store, behind the counter is a wall named Pick & Build. Here customers can pick individual Lego bricks, which are sorted into approximately 120 different colourful bins.
The Pick & Build wall at the back of the store. PHOTO: Helle Wilson
Another popular item is the key chains with different Lego mini-figures.
The Lego company was founded in Denmark and began manufacturing interlocking toy bricks in 1949. Since then Lego has become a global enterprise, supporting movies, games, competitions, with six themed amusement parks under the Legoland brand. As of 2013, around 560 billion Lego parts have been produced.
Lego is named after the Danish words “leg godt” meaning “play well”.
With the new store opening here in Winnipeg, Lego fans will have access to many new Lego products and be able to play well and use their imagination to make stunning creations.
Lego master builder Paul, and Lego employee Nikki, both from Connecticut, with Yoda. PHOTO: Helle Wilson
