We have started discussing this....in a Walmart forum thread, thought it will be worth a thread here.

 

What we know so far (per Emes and the powerful Interwebz)

 

- Target will likely have a summer toy clearance

- The start date has historically been around July 15

- Target clearance prices will range from 30/50/70% off as the sale goes on - only seasonal items get the 90% off tag now (mmmm Easter Peeps).

 

Consider this an invite to do some asking at your local Target and post results back to this thread. If most are really stashing pulled items in the back, might be some good deals to be had (and explain why I couldn't find a single The Mine set in any target around me, even though they all have the set dlsplay thing.)

 

Let's get ready to find some deals!!

According to my calendar, the 1st IS on Thursday.

Wow I can't believe I did spaced that. Thanks

Probably a terrible question and is sure to differ between every store... but does anyone have any idea what time Target does the clearance? Am I missing anything by waiting until after work around 4 on Thursdays to check?

 

The ones I hit last week had stuff (not Lego) already marked down to 70% off when they opened Thursday morning. So maybe they do it overnight.

So - I never have any luck finding WalMart or Target clearance deals in my town, but I decided to check in Target anyways.  I found 2 x Galaxy Squad Bug Obliterator sets (70705) for 50% off at $39.98.  So I just went ahead and bought them and checked the values later.  The value seems pathetic for an $80 MSRP set with 711 pieces.  I see people selling on eBay for $50 free shipping.  Do you guys think this will have any value in the future or is the theme really a dud?  I may keep one for my son.  The minifig selection in the set seems pretty bad for an $80 set.  My portfolio is almost 100% exclusives and licensed themes (except Ninjago).  

Same fate as PoP, Alien Conquest, Atlantis.etc...may be...may be a little better...but big NO for me....at least 70-90%off for parts only...

So - I never have any luck finding WalMart or Target clearance deals in my town, but I decided to check in Target anyways.  I found 2 x Galaxy Squad Bug Obliterator sets (70705) for 50% off at $39.98.  So I just went ahead and bought them and checked the values later.  The value seems pathetic for an $80 MSRP set with 711 pieces.  I see people selling on eBay for $50 free shipping.  Do you guys think this will have any value in the future or is the theme really a dud?  I may keep one for my son.  The minifig selection in the set seems pretty bad for an $80 set.  My portfolio is almost 100% exclusives and licensed themes (except Ninjago).  

 

It's a toss up. This is a pretty nice set but the last 2-3 in house space themes have been duds.

Dud. ok build for 40 bucks I bet...but I have no interest. Maybe for 30 I would get one..but I will not store these as investment grade lego.

So - I never have any luck finding WalMart or Target clearance deals in my town, but I decided to check in Target anyways.  I found 2 x Galaxy Squad Bug Obliterator sets (70705) for 50% off at $39.98.  So I just went ahead and bought them and checked the values later.  The value seems pathetic for an $80 MSRP set with 711 pieces.  I see people selling on eBay for $50 free shipping.  Do you guys think this will have any value in the future or is the theme really a dud?  I may keep one for my son.  The minifig selection in the set seems pretty bad for an $80 set.  My portfolio is almost 100% exclusives and licensed themes (except Ninjago).  

 

Normally I never pass up any LEGO that is 50% off, BUT, I saw some Galaxy Squad (2 different sets) for 50% off last week at Target and passed.  My kids walk right past them to EVERY OTHER LEGO in the toy isle.  It's almost like they don't even exist.  I don't know if its the packaging or the theme itself but they just don't notice them.

I just got 6 VC's for 30 bucks!

I just got 6 VC's for 30 bucks!

Naw, I wish, mean troll though, right?  Why have they been so stingy lately, I don't remember it taking this long last year.....I remember getting all the harry potter sets so easily back in the day....

I personally do not like that series. If they were cheap enough, I would bite for parts.

 

I'm making a road trip to multiple Targets before school starts back this weekend! Let's all hope and pray they hit the markdown button this Thursday! I need some deals!

Just found 9476 half price. Target Canada, usually behind getting stock.

Any thoughts on the LOTR Uruk battlepack at 30% off?  I'm wondering if I should go back and pick up the last two at that price...

Any thoughts on the LOTR Uruk battlepack at 30% off?  I'm wondering if I should go back and pick up the last two at that price...

 

I usually grab anything licensed at or above 30% discount. If you can get the 9471 for around $20, I think it's an easy pickup.

Any thoughts on the LOTR Uruk battlepack at 30% off?  I'm wondering if I should go back and pick up the last two at that price...

 

I like it, Sadowk1.  Even though it may be around a little while, it's still a nice set to get at 30% discount.  Also a great add on if you're packaging it with Helms.

Any thoughts on the LOTR Uruk battlepack at 30% off?  I'm wondering if I should go back and pick up the last two at that price...

I would definately pick up a few at $20 for myself. It is Lord of the Rings closest thing to an army builder besides The Orc Forge.

Thanks for the encouragement gang.  I'll have to head back soon and hope they are still there.  Otherwise I can feel good about the three I've picked up already.

Just hit 3 Targets. No additional mark downs. Arghhhhhh!!!

I went through my local store this morning and was told by the "markdown crew" that their computers were down and they did not know what was going to happen today.  They seemed to be anticipating some action, so I am going to stop again on my way home this evening.

http://www.allthingstarget.com/2013/08/01/target-70-off-toy-clearance-is-happening-today-with-a-glitch/

http://www.allthingstarget.com/2013/08/01/target-70-off-toy-clearance-is-happening-today-with-a-glitch/

It is interesting that the clearance pricing seems to be on a store-by-store basis but they are all affected by a chain-wide scanner issue.  A friend of mine who works there gave me some insight on the overall operation.  His impression was that everything that happens in the local stores, including the HVAC settings, were controlled from the corporate office.

Dang it, I am actually playing hookie from work today so I can go check out the deals.  Now I'm going to have to play hookie tomorrow too.  "cough, cough, I'm sick"

Looks like I'll just have to make the rounds again tomorrow, not going to chance missing it today just in case.  There are too many good sets still sitting there waiting to be bought.

Time to close this thred and open new for August...moderators?

Time to close this thred and open new for August...moderators?

 

I'm not sure "July" was literal, but more symbolic.

 

Scanners down at most Targets in my area.  One store had LEGO aisle dyslexia.  LEGO mixed into multiple aisles where they don't belong, yet the shelves were marked appropriately.  New Chima Gorilla thing in with Mega Blox, multiple random sets in with Imaginext, etc. The actual LEGO aisle had huge holes in inventory and I thought I was just too late, but the scanners were down so I don't think I missed anything.  It's as if things went down mid-shuffle for them. 

 

I did see a LOTR Council of Elrond at another store for $20.98, but it seemed like a boring set so I passed.

 

...and at a third store I found a LOTR Mines of Moria for $39.98, I did buy that one.  That's an alright price, no?

I just got 6 VC's for 30 bucks!

 

receipt?