Bristol Bricks: Your Local LEGO Haven

Photo bycourtesy of Bristol Bricks/Facebook

BRISTOL, Va. —Bristol Bricks, a new, locally owned LEGO business, is gearing up for its grand opening on Thursday in Bristol, Virginia. The store will be the region's only authorized LEGO retailer outside of major chain stores, bringing a fresh option for LEGO enthusiasts in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

Located at 256 Bristol Commons, adjacent to the Legacy Theater, Bristol Bricks will officially open at 10 a.m. on October 19. The store spans 2,500 square feet and offers a blend of retail space and a dedicated zone for parties and events, which can be reserved for private celebrations.

A LEGO Community Hub

Owned by Todd Peak, Bristol Bricks aims to become a haven for LEGO fans of all ages. In a press release, Peak shared that his passion for the building blocks grew during the COVID-19 pandemic when he and his family would travel up to four hours to visit stores with a wider variety of sets. This experience inspired him to open a local store that not only stocks new and popular LEGO sets but also offers rare and vintage items that can be hard to find.

"We fell in love with building LEGO during the pandemic," Peak said. "As we did so, we met many others who faced the same challenge of finding specific sets. We wanted to create a place where people could easily access new and used sets while fostering a community of builders."

In addition to new products, the store will buy and sell gently used LEGO sets, bulk bricks, vintage pieces, and collectible mini-figures. Customers will also have the option to trade in their gently used LEGO items for cash or store credit.

Photo byArtur TumasjanonUnsplash

A Personal Shopping Experience

Peak emphasized that Bristol Bricks aims to offer a shopping experience distinct from big-box stores by prioritizing customer service and community engagement. "While the variety of inventory is great, our biggest goal is to make shopping for LEGO a personal experience," Peak said. "We hope to create a welcoming environment where builders can come together and learn from one another."

To build this sense of community, the store will offer memberships to a “Founders Club,” which will give die-hard LEGO fans early access to new releases, exclusive event invitations, special discounts, and more.

LEGO Popularity on the Rise

Bristol Bricks arrives when LEGO has experienced a resurgence in popularity. The Danish company, founded in 1932, has seen its brand grow globally with innovative partnerships, including collaborations with Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel. In 2022 alone, LEGO reported a 17% growth in revenue, cementing its status as a global toy powerhouse. The growing demand for niche and rare sets has also driven the emergence of smaller, independent LEGO retailers, providing collectors and hobbyists with more diverse buying options.

With its rare inventory and personalized services, Bristol Bricks is poised to cater to casual builders and serious collectors. The store’s inclusion of used and vintage sets will likely appeal to those seeking to expand their collections with hard-to-find pieces.

Grand Opening and Hours

The grand opening event is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday. The business will operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. The store will be closed on Sundays. Reservations for parties and events can be made in advance.

Customers are encouraged to follow Bristol Bricks' social media channels for more information about the store and its offerings.

By positioning itself as a specialty LEGO retailer, Bristol Bricks aims to serve the growing community of LEGO enthusiasts in the region, providing them with products and a place to connect and share their passion.