SA’s first certified Lego store is a yellow wonderland

It’s the build-your-own minifigure station that will have even the most bitter Betty looking through thousands of pieces of plastic hair to match hers. Maybe the dress and accessories, too.

For under R100, you can create three of these little humanoid plastic items; for gifts or just vanity.

Joining me at the launch of the latest line of Avengers playsets is a vet. He quickly rummages through torsos, legs, props, faces, hats and accessories to recreate himself, his best friend and roommate in their green veterinary scrubs. Birthday gifts at their best. Personalised, sentimental and affordable.

Lego store in Sandton

The Sandton store is not the first time an entire storefront has been dedicated to the world’s most famous bricks, but it’s the first time that it’s certified, which means even new releases and Lego exclusives can be found here.

In the centre of the store is a Lego Hillbrow and Johannesburg. The Carlton Tower (the highest building in Africa), the Telkom Tower and Ponte City apartments recreated in bricks by two artists let visitors know that the store means business.

Striking most is the Lego wall that features individual blocks that builders need when creating their own worlds. Just need one block in hot pink? It’s there.

On May 26, the South African Lego Users Group (Zalug) is celebrating their third anniversary meeting. While Zalug is part of a recognised users group across the world, more of these groups are forming and Lego seems to be almost like a deity.

Lego store in Sandton

If that’s the case, then the store is a place of worship. From super-advanced sets or sets for children, here the building possibilities are endless and it shows.

Store assistants have all built a multitude of the sets. They know the history and will tell the store visitor which sets will move fast among collectors. Even the electronic Lego rollercoaster still has the appeal for staff members, who want to switch it on to show how amazing these bricks have become.

Lego has become one of the world’s most successful toys, and even giants like Mattel and Barbie struggle to compete with the little bricks that have become a staple for children and adults.

If you do not understand the charm, then five minutes at The Lego Store at Sandton City will change your mind. If you want to sweeten the pot, watch the Lego episode of The Toys That Made Us on Netflix before the excursion.

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