Over the past several months, many in our community have seen posts and videos regarding a dispute involving the former Bricks & Minifigs® location in Salem, Oregon. We understand the frustration and passion behind these discussions. Bricks & Minifigs is built on a community of collectors and families who care deeply about fairness, and that is a value we share.
To be absolutely clear: Bricks & Minifigs does not condone, tolerate, or participate in the exploitation of anyone, especially older adults or vulnerable members of our community. When a complex business dispute is reduced to edited social media clips, critical facts are often lost. While we will not litigate this online, we want to clarify the core situation.
The Reality of the Consignment Claim
Much of the online narrative centers on a private consignment arrangement allegedly made at the former Salem store. It is vital to understand that Bricks & Minifigs Corporate (BAM Franchising, Inc.) was not a party to this alleged agreement, nor were subsequent franchisees who took on the ownership of the Salem location.
Corporate did not sign, approve, or authorize this arrangement. In fact, such consignment deals are expressly prohibited under our franchise agreements to protect both the brand and the community.
That said, after ownership of the Salem store changed, we thoroughly documented and assessed current inventory. A few days later, we became aware of the previous arrangement, and compared our inventory assessment to the limited documentation provided by the consignor. It was clear the full list of inventory in his documentation was not located in the store. What items could be reasonably identified as allegedly belonging to the consignor was offered back to the consignor, but that offer was refused.
A deeper dive into the sales receipts uncovered that a significantly higher volume of the listed sets had sold over the course of the consignment deal prior to the store transition. The consignor also provided a written statement to a podcast that his collection was moved offsite for security reasons. Additional attempts to restore what we could with what was in our possession, was also declined, in writing.
BAM denies allegations that we “stole” this consignor’s collection, let alone a collection worth what has been claimed online. However, we remain willing to provide any appropriate assistance in recovering any and all portions of this collection or funds generated off of its sale to the original consignor and their family, through appropriate means.
Seeking Facts Over Narratives
Serious claims require serious evidence. We have repeatedly asked for the original documents and undoctored recordings that support these accusations. Selective social media posts and misleading investigative-style videos are not a substitute for the complete records and legal agreements that govern the rights of all involved parties.
If a legitimate claim exists, there are established legal and dispute-resolution processes to handle it fairly. Attempting to force a business outcome through public pressure, especially on unrelated stores and employees, is not a productive or fair path forward.
Protecting Our Stores and Staff
Franchisees operate independent businesses. While they must follow system standards, the franchisor does not automatically inherit responsibility for private, unauthorized agreements a local owner may enter into.
Our current network of BAM stores consists entirely of independent, local small business owners who had absolutely nothing to do with this situation.
Our local franchise owners and their employees—many of whom are young people starting their first jobs—should not be targets of harassment for a dispute they did not create. We have seen a troubling rise in:
- Unauthorized filming and manufactured confrontations inside private stores.
- Direct threats and doxxing of local staff and their families.
- The disruption of the shopping experience for families and children.
Bricks & Minifigs stores are private businesses with a right to protect their premises. We will continue to support our owners in prohibiting disruptive conduct or harassment. This is not about silencing criticism; it is about ensuring a safe environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
Moving Forward Together
Our position remains simple: Bricks & Minifigs Corporate, nor any subsequent franchise owners, were party to the unauthorized Salem consignment agreement or any theft. Any legitimate claims should be resolved through the proper legal channels, where facts can be evaluated fairly.
We ask our fans and creators to consider the human impact of the content they share. Fairness is a two-way street; it requires looking at the full picture and respecting the rights of unrelated small business owners and their staff.
We love the LEGO® community and the creativity it fosters. Our mission is to bring joy and creativity to the world through all things LEGO. As such, we will continue to operate with integrity through the appropriate processes. We thank those who have waited for the facts before accepting rumors as truth, and who continue to support their local Bricks & Minifigs franchise stores.
Because this matter involves active legal issues, we will provide further updates only when it is appropriate and legally permissible to do so.
Thank you for your continued support of our local stores.
This post was updated 5/27/2026 for additional clarity.