Lego’s new modular building, 11371 Shopping Street, has finally been announced, and it immediately hit me with a dilemma. Even though my focus has shifted heavily toward alternative brick brands lately, I still collect Lego. Just not at the obsessive level I used to. The modular line, though, has always been the one theme I genuinely look forward to every year.
But now that I’ve stepped into the alt-brick world… do I actually need to buy this one?
Let’s talk about the set itself. From what I have seen, the community is split down the middle, and I fall firmly into the disappointed camp. When the leaks first popped up, I honestly thought it was fake. I assumed it was some random MOC from Rebrickable. But no, it is real. It is not that it is bad. It just lacks that spark. Compare it to the Tudor Corner from earlier this year. That set had presence. It had a proper wow factor. Shopping Street just feels like it is missing something.
So where does this leave those of us who have wandered into the alt-bricks realm? I am torn. Sets like the Lumibricks Art Gallery look significantly nicer in my opinion, and often offer better value. Yet I have this nagging compulsion because I have been collecting Lego modulars for so long. The completionist part of my brain refuses to let it go.
So will I buy it? Yes. But not yet. I’m hoping it eventually lands somewhere that offers deep discounts. I am in the UK, so fingers crossed for a random Argos sale at some point.
I wanted to skip this one. I really did. But the collector in me would not sleep well with a gap on the street. Lego still has a hold on me. I guess I haven’t fully cut the strings yet.
What about you? Is the streak of collecting enough to make you buy a set you feel a bit meh about? Or maybe you think I’m being dramatic and this set is actually great. Have you drawn the line, or are you buying?
You can find more information about LEGO’s new modular on their product page
If you want to check out reviews of alternative-brick brands, click over here
