Lego resale toy shop opening draws big queues in town

A much-anticipated toy shop has opened its doors in Long Eaton this weekend. Shoppers queued in their dozens for the grand unveiling of Barn Dawg Store, a Lego resale shop, in the town’s Market Place on Saturday, March 18. A business idea that originated in lockdown, owner Barney Nockolds decided to open a physical store after the success of the online shop.

He only moved to Long Eaton in December last year with his partner Nadia Boiko. The first customers were welcomed at 10am after “40 to 50 people” began queuing half-an-hour beforehand, Nottinghamshire Live reports. Barney said: “It’s been really good, there was a crowd of people and the Mayor was here at the opening, he cut the ribbon and made a speech. READ MORE: Sadness as long-standing Ilkeston chippy to close after 62 years

“There have been a lot of people and a lot of sets have already sold out, and we’ve had a lot of support. A lot of people are happy we have opened.” While a niche market, the next closest Lego shop for passionate fans is in Sheffield, so the presence of a store in the East Midlands has been welcomed by many.

Stocking a range of Lego products including Wall-E, Avatar, Marvel, Star Wars and Ghostbusters sets, the store also has a collection of 200,000 individual lego bricks for enthusiasts who are missing pieces or need extra parts. Barney built Lego as a child but his passion for it dwindled as he ventured into his teenage years. But after ten years without touching a piece, an injury inspired him to buy a new set and the fire was reignited.

His father Chris came down for opening day too and said: “When we have the shutters down you can see the crowd. The queue was rammed. It hasn’t stopped.

It’s been like this all day and it’s fantastic.”

Pictured is a view from inside the new Barn Dawg Store ahead of this weekend's opening in Long Eaton. As well as individual parts, the new shop will stock complete Lego sets, from popular film series like Harry Potter, Star Wars and Toy Story.Pictured is a view from inside the new Barn Dawg Store ahead of this weekend’s opening in Long Eaton. As well as individual parts, the new shop will stock complete Lego sets, from popular film series like Harry Potter, Star Wars and Toy Story.

Not only have people visited the shop to buy things, but to discuss and chat with Barney about their passion for Lego and the different sets they have.

The opening day attracted customers from all over the region James McCarthy, 38, came from Borrowash and said: “[I bought the] three-in-one Lego ferris wheel. I do like Lego and my missus likes Lego.

She collects Harry potter sets. “We don’t have a physical Lego shop. The nearest from here is Sheffield.

Places like this where you can buy, sell and trade things that aren’t going to be sitting on the shelves [in a Lego store] and get older stuff are good.” READ NEXT: Langley Mill pub with fish and chip shop for sale for GBP425,000 after closure

Inside The Lamb Inn pub at heart of Newhall’s community Final farewell to Finewood Studios as Mickleover store closes down Don Amott ‘King of Caravans’ celebrates 60 years in business

Inside Bretby home with far-reaching countryside views