Every year beginning the first week of December, LEGO Systems, Inc. in Enfield, CT partners with Toys “R” Us in the employee program, otherwise referred to as “Store Wars.” But, although the name might suggest some type of Lucas tie-in, George had nothing to do with this. The holiday season is by far our buisiest time of the year, and there are lots of consumers on the hunt for the perfect LEGO gift for someone special. To provide a bit of expertise and gudiance, LSI seeks volunteers from the Enfield office to work in Toys “R” Us stores in the surrounding New England area.

Boasting a rather long history in retail, and specifically LEGO Brand Retail, I decided to give up a day in the office to work a shift in a Toys “R” Us store in Manchester, CT. Shifts are covered in pairs so I signed up with a colleague of mine Jammie, who happens to allocate merchandise to the LEGO brand stores. We arrived in the morning to a somewhat steady stream of patrons on the hunt for various LEGO items ranging from Friends to Ninjago. Quickly within our shift we were joined by LEGO Retail Merchandiser Devin (Pictured) who normally covers retail stores around central and sourthern Connecticut. We were given a crash course into merchandising and the recommended answer to the infamous “Do you work for Toys “R” Us?” question. We spoke during lunch about his experience within the company and how his daily routine plays out. A lot of great insight was learned and can be shared with the fan community when questions might pop up.

Most of our day was spent stocking and merchandising products including the new Hobbit sets, Galaxy Squad, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. However, we were able to provide expert advice when troubled moms, dads, grandpa and grandmas were looking for the “bucket of LEGO from when I was a kid” and the ”green ninja on little Johnny’s wishlist.”

Overall the day was very beneficial and I’m grateful for the experience. If more of my colleagues got out of the office more and spoke directly with the consumers we would have a lot to gain. Nothing can compare with interacting one on one with a child who is excited about our products or a mother who can’t thank you enough for helping her to identify “the bad guy in Hero Factory.”

So in conclusion, no, I’m not back in retail. But for a single day in December I will be, this year and next. Wishing everyone in the LEGO fan community a wonderful holiday season, no matter where you are. Thank you for all your loyalty and support throughout the year! I’m looking forward to another fantastic year in 2013.