News and Features

New LEGO Store pieces together a fun experience

By Jessica Stephen, Correspondent

May 16, 2012

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C.T. Kruger

For Nick Creagan, managing the new LEGO Store at Mayfair Mall is a dream come true as a lifelong enthusiast of the multi-colored creative interlocking bricks.

C.T. Kruger

For Nick Creagan, managing the new LEGO Store at Mayfair Mall is a dream come true as a lifelong enthusiast of the multi-colored creative interlocking bricks.

The new LEGO store at Mayfair is the stuff dreams are made of - well, if your dreams are made of red and yellow bricks two studs across and four studs long.

That's the standard size for LEGOs, explained Amanda Santoro, a spokeswoman for the Denmark-based company. But building blocks of all sizes and colors are now available since the store opened May 11.

In-store raffles and giveaways will run through May 13. In the center of the mall, kids also can help a master builder assemble an 8-foot LEGO version of SpongeBob SquarePants as part of the weekend-long grand opening.

Planners have been building toward the event for almost a year, although construction of the first LEGO store in Wisconsin began only about seven weeks ago.

Since then, a team of 10 to 20 employees has been preparing to welcome children (and more than a few nostalgic adults) into play zones like the "Living Room" and the "Pick-A-Brick Wall."

"It's a little different experience than what you find in a normal toy store," Santoro said.

In this store, LEGO lovers can play with loose bricks or build models in the "Living Room," an interactive play area in the center of the store.

Or, kids can visit the store's television screen wall, where scanning a bar code on your favorite toy will lead to an on-screen surprise.

"It's in 3-D," Santoro explained. "Some of them are animated. So, if you have a Pirates of the Caribbean ship, you'll see little pirate running around."

If an entire wall of LEGOs is more your speed, then you can visit the "Pick-A-Brick Wall," where kids can select their favorite pieces sorted by color and size.

"You can pick anything you want, and you pay per weight like a bulk candy purchase," Santoro said.

Once each month, the store will host a themed build. Children ages 5 to 14 can participate in the mini-model building program. When they're done, they get to take their creations home for free.

"No purchase necessary," Santoro said.

Just bring your imagination.

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