The LEGO® Group has over 830 stores worldwide as of 2022. However, 81 of those stores are shuttering their doors indefinitely as LEGO® leaves Russia. This announcement came via Reuters last week. The LEGO® Group paused all shipments to Russia in March following the nation’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Consequently, LEGO® Stores in Russia faced dwindling supplies for several months. In their statement to Reuters, the LEGO® Group cited “extensive disruption in the operating environment” as the cause for fully shutting all stores.
This announcement adds the LEGO® Group to growing list of major brands exiting Russia. Among many others, household names likes McDonalds, IKEA, Nike, Coca-Cola, and Starbucks have all shut down operations. Where LEGO® Stores are concerned, the LEGO® Group did not operate Russian shops directly. The actual stores opened through a franchising contract with the Inventive Retail Group. Incidentally, this contract was terminated.
We do not often cover major world events at True North Bricks. However, these happenings tend to bleed into all facets of life, including hobbies. No doubt, the events in Ukraine also exacerbated the rising cost of LEGO® bricks recently reported as well. With energy costs increasing the world over, so too will production and delivery expenses. What are your thoughts as LEGO® leaves Russia? Let us know in the comments below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
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