It looks like the Empire State (21002) is retiring.  No availability on US and CAN shops (says to call to check for availability) and on Brickset, it says that the set retired on July 23rd/24th, but not in the UK.

 

Is it time to buy the set?

I have seen encouraging signs with Architecture sets over the past few months. The values of Robie House, Rockefeller Center, Burj, and Guggenheim have gone up significantly in the last few months. Empire is a bit of a plain set and has been available for a LONG time but it's an iconic building and will have appeal long term.

This kit (as well as Space Needle) are currently hovering around $30 on AZ (80-100 sellers listing them), while ebay sold prices are like $23-28 (with one random $38). These are still at my local Targets at MSRP ($19.99). Curious where this will go.

This kit (as well as Space Needle) are currently hovering around $30 on AZ (80-100 sellers listing them), while ebay sold prices are like $23-28 (with one random $38). These are still at my local Targets at MSRP ($19.99). Curious where this will go.

I stare at my stack of $3-$6 ESB's and feel as if it would be a better investment to sell what I have left and turn the profits into Fallingwaters. Which happens first...ESB to $40 or FW to $200?

This kit (as well as Space Needle) are currently hovering around $30 on AZ (80-100 sellers listing them), while ebay sold prices are like $23-28 (with one random $38). These are still at my local Targets at MSRP ($19.99). Curious where this will go.

I expect these to rapidly appreciate to $50 once they can no longer be found. 

lowest price new on amazon now $79. ESB is killing it softly.