The world of LEGO has evolved to include so much more than colorful bricks and detailed sets.
The elaborate creations of the company include scenes from beloved films, settings of cherished
childhood memories and even intricate replicas of some of the world’s greatest architectural creations. One of its fastest-growing trends is the collection of its minifigures.
These tiny figures, standing just over one and a half inches tall, are taking the industry by storm. Brick City Bricks has created a monthly event to allow avid collectors to trade and expand their often detailed and extensive collections.
“People can come in and bring their extra minifigs that they maybe don’t want anymore or perhaps they have duplicates, they can bring them to the event and trade them with other collectors,” Greg Williams, owner of Brick City Bricks, said. “It’s just a fun night where people get to enjoy what they love and meet other people who also share that passion.”
It’s simply called “Minifig Trading Night,” but it is sure to continue to gain momentum as word spreads of the event.
LEGO stores are a niche market. Though minifig trading is by no means a unique event, it is rare to find anywhere in Tampa Bay or even this side of the state. The closest many come to having the opportunity is at LEGOLAND at Winter Haven or the LEGO store at Disney Springs.
Though Williams opened his doors mere months ago, he has already attracted a loyal following from the local community as well as cities like Bradenton, St. Petersburg and Clearwater as people drive just to visit the eclectic store.
The first trading night was held July 27 and Williams said he plans for the events to be held the last Friday of each month in correlation with the Food Truck Rally. His doors will be open late and guests of all ages are welcome to bring their minifigs in to find a new home and hopefully leave with a much-desired ‘fig of their own. He said there will more than likely be a small array of snacks throughout the event, but he is really hoping the attendees will take time to check out the food trucks right around the corner.
“We’re really all about collaboration here in downtown,” Williams said. “We want people to come and check out not only our store but all of the other stores in the area. Yeah, come out and trade your minifigs, but stop at the food truck rally and get some food. Walk around and see what else Plant City has to offer.”
Williams is no stranger to hosting trading events. In the 1990s he owned a baseball card shop in the Strawberry Plaza. He started holding trading nights there where the community could come and trade cards with each other. At every event, the doors were constantly revolving and the shop was full.
He’s hoping the same will happen among the LEGO community. To bolster the evening Brick City Bricks will be running a special on minifigs and minifig packs during the event. The store also has a special minifig building station where clients can come and build their own unique creation for $3.99 or build three for $10.
The trays are full of smiling and grimacing yellow heads, intricately painted torsos, quirky
headgear and, of course, accessories to fit any adventure. The possibilities are endless and Williams said the special creations and events held at Brick City Bricks will only continue to grow.
He also warned there will be no devious plans of hoodwinking during his trading nights. The “minifig army” will be on patrol, making sure that knowledgeable collectors don’t attempt to take advantage of younger or perhaps less informed traders.
“Most of these figs are running at $5 to $10,” Williams said. “But there are cases where some are much more valuable. Velma, from Scooby Doo, those are really rare. You’re looking at $40 to $60 just for that one minfig. Deadpool, he’s rare too. We know what to look for and we won’t let anyone take advantage of someone during the event.”