Bricks & Minifigs, an authorized LEGO reseller, stated it is working toward an amicable resolution with the Mansell family concerning a dispute over a LEGO collection at a now-closed Salem, Oregon, franchise store. The company expressed its intention to assist in resolving the private matter, strengthen its operations, and support its employees and franchisees.
Through an ongoing investigation, the company identified that the dispute involved a collection built by Ed Mansell. Bricks & Minogifs noted that while a $200,000 value was previously circulated publicly, documentation suggests a realistic highest retail value between $95,000 and $100,000.
The investigation into the Salem location revealed that Bryan Mansell visited the store around September 2023 to seek help with the collection. Bricks & Minifigs found evidence suggesting approximately $61,000 or more of the collection may have been sold prior to November 14, 2024, while noting a potential discrepancy in payments received by Bryan Mansell.
Bricks & Minifigs clarified that the company's business model is strictly based on buying, selling, and trading, and does not include third-party consignment services. The company stated that the former owner of the Salem location, Chrystal Law-Gorman, entered into an unauthorized arrangement that was not approved by corporate.
In response to the situation, Bricks & Minifigs has offered the remaining Star Wars sets from the store to the family as a courtesy. The company also repeated its offer to financially compensate the Mansell family for any items proven to be unaccounted for.
To prevent future misunderstandings, Bricks & Minifigs is implementing several operational reforms. These include mandatory real-time digital tracking for inventory, the use of standardized corporate-approved disclosure forms for transactions, and required professional behavior and de-escalation training for staff.
CEO Ammon McNeff stated that the company views this as an isolated incident involving a single franchisee and does not believe it undermines the integrity of its other 300 independent franchisees. The company also noted that the Salem location closed permanently following the resignation of new owners Brandon Best and Josh Johnson.
