I’ve noticed that the prices at the two TRUs near me – one just about twenty miles from the other – have quite different prices, at least for collector figures. For example, the Evil Dead II Henrietta figure is $18.99 at one TRU, and $15.99 at another. Three bucks is a pretty significant difference in terms of what I’m willing to pay for a toy.
Now, I was already aware of this practice – I’d seen it at Target many times. And supposedly TRU will price-match to the website, which is good news.
But still, there’s adding a few bucks to a figure in a wealthier area, and then there’s this.
Holy cow. Pic from T16skyhopp, who evidently lives in El Dorado.
UPDATE: Or as RobbieValiant points out in the comments, maybe someone just mixed up the 1 and 2. I’m really not sure about that, though.
Probably just a simple mis-entry. 1 and 2 are right next to each other, after all.
I was wondering that myself. Probably should mention it.
I dunno about figures since I rarely buy them these days (no more shelf space and whatnot), but I know Toys R us is out of hand with its prices on at least pokemon cards too. Last time I was there they wanted $16 for a particular two pack blister that costs $10 or so everywhere else. And I've found tins that can be bought for $15-17 dollars elsewhere for $25. Just ridiculous. At least, my local Toys R us is.
I have noticed this before. There is a Toys R Us Express at the Anthem outlets, in Arizona, that has very odd pricing. Some items are discounted and then some are much higher than the website or traditional store.
Hey! Just to add some background to my situation. This store is located in Carle Place, NY on Long Island. We border a very well of area called Garden City. This TRU in particular started bumping up prices about a 6 months ago I think. I walked in while they were physically raising all the price tags.
Pretty much, everything went up a little to start and then slowly raises prices as things prove to be sellers.
Examples. Marvel Legends started at 17.99, about $3 over Walmart and Target. After they sold through about 2 cases, they went up to 19.99. A few more restocks sold through and they are now and have been 22.99 for a while.
Even non collector brands are not safe. TMNT started at 8.99, then 10.49 and as of last week 11.49.
Masterpiece Thundercracker was 69.99 and is now 86.99. Sometimes prices are even about the Times Square NYC flagship store.
Today the NECA prices were all over the place. Valve figures were near 30, Robocops were 17-20, others hovered around 18 or so.
Occasionally if things don't move they will come back down. TMNT was back to 8.99 for about a week before going back up.
I used to work there years ago, and still know a few employees but no one I know is management or involved in pricing. From talking to a fellow collector who says he speaks to some management, I gather that it is a corporate decision based solely on the stores location to Garden City.
Damn…wow. So TRU is basically a scalper shop now.
I've felt that way a long time about TRU, and will never spend money there unless it is for NECA. Of course, if I can find that same NECA figure online or at Hastings for the same or less, then I'll give them my money over TRU.
Mine seems to be. The next closest one closed down so I have no others to compare it too. Except occasionally NYC which is consistent at least. High.. but consistent.
I don't think it was a mistype because only the Valve figures were near 30, but HL was all 28.99 L4D were 27.99. So it would have to be 2 separate mistakes only for valve licensed figures.
I think. I'm not 100% and didn't take photos. But even within RoboCop, both the GitD and Holster each had different prices.
TRU Express are considered “pop up” stores, open temporarily and filled with temp staff. They are mostly Christmas seasonal. usually they fill them with older or discount merchandise and charge a good 10-15% over regular retail. they stick these in cheap locations so when investor meeting time comes around, they can say they opened x number of stores for x dollars, making it look better than it actually is.
the sad fact is, since collectors don’t put their money where their mouth is, and still buy stuff from companies and retailers that treat them wrong, or are dishonest to their customers, since you still hand over your dollars, you’re telling them “its ok” – by buying the toy there you’re saying “its ok to financially profile me” … no one really listens to complaining fans anymore because they still buy the things! I mean people constantly complain about WalMart, Mattycollector, Target, and Bandai to no end, and then go buy stuff from all these companies. Companies only change when they are losing money or have money to gain, and never, ever do the right thing unless shamed or financial gain is involved.
Thanks Poe as you michael crawford and battlegrip seem to be the only folks left writing in this hobby who do the right things, and bring this stuff up anymore. It seems like things have gone in the last few years in a new “if you dont buy what i say youre not a real fan” direction and i hear all too often from idiots with zero perspective and even less intelligence how we “should be thankful we get anythung at all” which is wimpy milk baby crap. Many great japanese toy sites have sadly gone in the direction of “if you’re too poor, quit complaining” and honesty has gone away in favor of page hits and free toys- or are overrun by wannabes and newbies who are looking to be an “instant expert internet star”
ts not being “an old man and his lawn” to point this stuff out- its being an honest, decent person, standing up for whats right, and not getting taken advantage of. Maybe if people actually got something from all those comics and heroes they say they love so much and began standing up to dishonesty and this type of thing, our hobby – and the world- would be a better place.
My retail TRU where this photo was taken has consistently higher prices than the nearest TRU Express! It's INSANE!
There are two TRUs approximately a couple miles apart near where I live in the bay area. One of them tends to have higher prices than the other by about $1 – 3, but now the usually lower priced store has started pricing some things high than the other store, while the usually higher price store now has some things at normal prices. Both of them have many inconsistencies in prices.
I saw the Gordon figure at one of the stores and it scanned at $28.99, while other NECA figures were in the $15.99 – 17.99 range. I like the Gordon figure, but not for that price.
My TRU is a bit expensive on some stuff and decent priced on others. It's not as bad as Skyhopp's or anything, but sometimes I am in awe of their pricing. Ultimately, I have to take what I can get as we only have one TRU anywhere nearby.
My wife and I have been noticing this on Legos. Usually, Toys R Us charges more for there Legos than the Lego store does. Its crazy. Jabba's palace costs about $120 at Target and the Lego store, but is $150 at Toys R Us. They're a speciality retailer so I wouldn't mind an extra dollar or two, but that is a huge mark-up.
I've definitely noticed the ridiculous prices on their Marvel stuff as well. Good grief!