Brick-by-Brick Success

Upfront Brick-by-Brick Success

Tucson couple has successful opening with Bricks and Minifi gs

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Owners of the new Bricks and Minifi gs store in Tucson, JL and Becky Burnett quickly learned the power of Lego.

A line of brick lovers slithered around the building before the store even opened on its fi rst day.

“We had the biggest grand opening the franchise has seen,” Becky says about the resale Lego chain.

“We had a few fans who wanted to be fi rst in line, and they were here at 4 a.m. lining up for a 10 a.m. opening. We had people drive up from Sierra Vista and people visiting from Yuma and Phoenix. For some, it was the fi rst time they brought their kids out of quarantine. It was a really big deal.”

Bricks and Minifi gs off ers a wide selection of minifi gures for sale from all themes, including the collectible series. Recently, they sold a German soccer team minifi gure set that was diffi cult to fi nd in the United States.

The store off ers a wide selection of certifi ed used sets in boxes as well as used sets with instructions, which decorate the backdrop of the main counter. New sets and accessories like stuff ed animal versions of the “Star Wars” minifi gures, key

chains, pens and minifi gure fl ashlights line the walls. Guests can help themselves to a free Bricks and Minifi gs bracelet.

Suspended from the ceiling is a train that will eventually circle the whole of the store. In the middle of the store are bulk Lego tables, where guests can fi ll diff erent-sized containers that range in price from $8 to $70. At the Build-a-Mini

Bricks and Minifi gs off ers a wide selection of certifi ed used Lego sets in boxes as well as sets with instructions. JL and Becky Burnett own the new Bricks and Minifi gs store in Tucson. The shop off ers a wide selection of Lego minifi gures for sale from all themes, including the collectible series. (Photos by Dave Karasinski)

fi gure station, shoppers The couple decided to open a Bricks can choose a head, torand Minifi gs after being reintroduced to so, legs, hairpiece or hat/ Lego at a party. The experience snowhelmet and one accessoballed into memberships to mail-order ry for $4, or three for $10. Lego clubs and then an encounter with The stock is always the Bricks and Minifi gs chain, which also changing because Bricks has a store in Avondale. The ultimate and Minifi gs buys and draw to the store was the availability of trades parts and bricks. a party room. “Because it’s a buy“We needed something more of a and-sell-and-trade situation, what you creative outlet or that parents could ensee up there might not even last a day or joy, too,” says JL, who considered a vidtwo,” she says. “It’s going to constantly be eo game truck. “In Tucson there’s a fair revolving.” amount of birthday party locations. If you

At the back of the store is a touching really look, a majority of them are pizza display called Julian’s case that will house and arcade places or bounce houses, My Own Creations (MOC) competition where you’re risking your neck. People winners. The case is named after a local are looking for something more.” boy who passed away. The party room won’t just be for kids. The fi ve-member staff The couple plans to have bagels and is taking precautions bricks events, or date nights. Sensory to avoid exposure to or hours for autistic children are also in the the spread of COVID-19. works. They’re wiping down sur“I’m just really about working with the faces; cleaning parts; and community,” Becky says. “We had a Cub off ering masks, gloves Scout leader ask if we could work out and hand sanitizer. something with them. The ability in this “We extended our sort of industry to reach out to the comgrand opening to be two munity is astronomical. days instead of one to “We’d love to sponsor Little League allow for maximum posteams or have school parties with massible social distancing,” cots. We’ve had people fl ooding in, trying she says. to give us applications because it’s every“JL was at the door one’s teenage dream job.” reminding people to social distance. Everyone worked with us. They just fl ooded in and they Bricks and Minifi gs 6145 E. Broadway Boulevard, 372-7733, wanted to grab what bricksandminifi gs.com/tucson-az they wanted and jump in 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily line ASAP.” SEPTEMBER 2020 | 3