Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Lego

Independent toy stores across the Interior are reporting a shortage in Lego with their orders not being fulfilled and their shelves laying bare.

Several independent toy stores across the region told iNFOnews.ca Lego orders they tried to place in time for the Christmas rush were either cancelled or couldn't be made at all.

Penticton's Sirius Science and Nature manager Jesse Doucette said he placed an order for about $8,000 worth of Lego at the beginning of October only to later find the company had cancelled the order.

"I went to re-order and there were literally no choices left on their website to choose from," he said. "I can't even order a brick... there's nothing."

Kamloops Tumbleweed Toys owner Vanessa Gammel tells a similar story.

"They cancelled all orders last month," Gammel said. "I don't love it, but they've got to keep their Lego stores stocked, we're small peanuts."

Lynne Taylor owns Teeter Totter Toys in Vernon and said she tried to order Lego in time for Christmas but couldn't.

Vernon Teach and Learn owner Lynella Henke said she has a limited amount of Lego in stock, which she didn't expect to last long.

Lego has run into shortages before and it was widely reported in 2015 that the company struggled with a newly created demand brought on by the release of The Lego Movie.

So has the pandemic created a shortage of one of the world's favourite toys?

The UK media reports Lego is having to ration supplies to stores and Lego fan blogs talk of reduced production due to Mexican Lego factories being deemed non-essential and shut down earlier this year.

According to Lego, throughout 2020 there has been a high demand for its products.

"We know that many children have put LEGO products on their Christmas... wish lists (and) our factories are currently operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make sure we fulfil those wishes," a lego spokesperson said in an email.

But while the small independent toy stores remain largely free from the colourful bricks, head over to big box stores and the supply of Lego is plentiful.

Canadian Tire's website lists more than 200 Lego products in-store at its Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm locations while its Vernon store has more than 80 Lego products on the shelves. Walmart lists hundreds of Lego products available to buy in-store or online.

So in a year when more than ever the emphasis is on supporting local independent businesses has Lego favoured the big players and turned its back on small independent stores?

"I would hate to say yes, but... it definitely looks like they have," Doucette said.

Lego disputes the allegation.

"We are not prioritizing certain types of retail partners over others. We are working very closely with all of our retailers to allocate products and treat all of them in a fair manner," the toymaker said in an email.

Doucette said he's disappointed in Lego's behaviour but points to the variety of other popular products in his store, and says it's easy to find an alternative. He's also started carrying Lego alternative, Nanoblock.

The variety of other popular products is a sentiment reflected by the other toy store owners.

"The product is amazing, that's why we keep bringing it in, it sells itself. It's Lego, everyone loves it," Gammel said. "But as being a nice corporate partner, it's not the best."

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News from © iNFOnews, 2020