Review: 11371 Shopping Street

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The annual release of the new modular building is always highly anticipated, and tomorrow you'll be able to get your hands on the latest one in the series, 11371 Shopping Street.

Last year's model, 10350 Tudor Corner, was arguably the best ever, so this one has a hard act to follow.

Summary

11371 Shopping Street, 3,456 pieces.
£229.99 / $249.99 / €249.99 | 6.7p / 7.2c / 7.2c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »

A very nice additon the modular steet although it lacks a 'wow factor'

  • Interesting arrangement of the buildings
  • Re-introduces rare parts
  • NPU and details throughout
  • Shop occupants are interesting, but obscure
  • Carpenter can't access her workshop without going through music shop

The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.

The completed model

When revealed a few weeks ago, it was not met with overwhelming enthusiasm for some reason. That might have been because, at first glance, it offers nothing new in terms of colour scheme or design.

The white and sand green of the left-hand side is reminiscent of 10185 Green Grocer but then that is 18 years old now, and still much coveted, so that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact this model contains the hard-to-find sand green parts needed to build that model -- 1x8 bricks and 1x2 profile bricks -- which is good news for those who want to 'BrickLink' the old model. As usual, New Elementary has conducted a thorough examination of the rare and recoloured parts in the set so I won't repeat it here.

It's not until you look at it from the right angle do its unique qualities become apparent, for this is not one building, but two adjoining ones, cleverly arranged with an angled alleyway between them, which is something we've not seen before in a modular building.

The name shopping street is a bit of a misnomer because there are only two trading premises in the model, both of which are not something you find in every town, or indeed any town, nowadays. The sand green building is occupied by a brass band instrument shop called Brickleys. The ground floor is stocked with brass instruments and the first floor with percussion. The second floor is occupied by a small bedsit. The trader on the right is just as specialised, selling exclusively chairs. Above it is a woodworking shop where they are made.

The building looks higher than many recent ones, thanks to the rather nice gold cupola on the left, and indeed it is about 6cm taller than last year's pub.

As usual there are lots of interesting 'story-telling' details, such as a letterbox for pigeon post and pigeon loft on the roof.

Many of the walls meet at non-right angles, so a variety of techniques have been used to fill the resultant gaps, employing cheese slopes and the relatively new 1x4 half-circle tiles. Note also the Technic axle connectors used for the pillars by the windows and door.

There are no stickers in the set: everything is printed (yay!).

The small square in the middle has a statue of a cat, and the set introduces a white 'bird no. 32' (aka pigeon) which I suspect is much-coveted by anyone who builds LEGO cities!

Another interesting detail is the wheelie bin at the back with an old-style minifig chair in it. The piece used to be a staple in modular buildings but brick-built ones are expected nowadays, and in his review over at The Rambling Brick, Richard suggests that perhaps the fact it's been thrown away symbolises the shift to fancier alternatives.


Internals

Ground floor

This view of the ground floor best shows the arrangement of the two buildings, with a angled alleyway between them. The contents of the two shops can be seen more clearly in the construction images below, before the front walls have been added.

As usual, the interior floors are fully tiled and the pavement directly in front of the stores has a pleasing symmetrical and colourful pattern.

First floor

The right-hand building extends across the top of the alleyway and a door provides access to the chair maker's workshop from the percussion department of the music store. That's not entirely realistic or practical but no doubt the best that could be done in the limited space available.

A door in the music shop opens onto a small balcony overlooking the street.

Various items of percussion can be found upstairs, including cymbals, a bass drum and drum sticks.

Here you can also see how the spiral staircase has been constructed, studs sideways with a stripe running through it, clipped to a vertical bar.

The workshop is stuffed full of woodworking equipment and in one corner a wooden duck stands on a workbench while its paint dries.

Second floor

Only the left-hand building has a second floor, which contains a small bedsit with a single bed, a table and chair, and the room that every modular building has to include nowadays, a toilet. This provides a great view out onto the street through its clear windows!

Roof

In addition to the aforementioned pigeon loft the right hand building has a small garden on its roof, accessed from a door in the bedsit. The interior of the steeply pitched roof of the left-hand one is inaccessible.


Minifigures

Seven minifigures populate the set and the highlight of the selection is definitely the two young band members who, according to the set's designer, are twins. Their torso is new, and the tall cap, or shako, normally worn by the Imperial Guards in Pirates sets, is new in dark purple. The print on the front is the Billund coat of arms. A second one is provided for the other girl, and can be found in the shop.

The other figures are the twins' mother, who is using a crutch, the instrument store owner...

... a plumber, furniture maker/carpenter, who has a new print on her torso, and...

...a random guy with a cap.


Construction

As is always the case, the first part of construction involves covering the baseplate with tiles, which is a bit tedious, but when it's done it looks marvellous. The reason there's a plumber among the minifigure selection is only evident in this picture: there's a leak below the pavement in the alleyway! The puddle is covered over with a grille in a later step.

The contents of the shops are best observed before their front walls are added and in the music shop we can see various brass instruments, including a trumpet, tuba, and various horns.

The furniture maker's store sells nothing but chairs, and has fabric samples hanging in the corner.

As is always the case with modular buildings, only the ground floor is tiled, the others just have mats where appropriate.

The roof section above the music store has small windows along the sides and bay windows above the balcony, but the area is inaccessible to minifigures.


Verdict

I'm a bit late reviewing the model because it was not sent out to us at the same time as it was to other influencers. As a result, I did not need to rush to build it before the review deadline, so I took my time and enjoyed it more, tackling a couple of bags at a time over the course of a week or so. That gave more opportunity to appreciate the details and the 'nice parts usage', of which there is plenty, and far more than I've had space to mention in this review.

it may not have the same 'wow factor' as some past modulars, but nevertheless it's a very well-designed and attractive model that fits right in with the rest of the street, introducing unique features such as the angled disposition of the buildings, the alleyway, the bird house, and the curved frontage on the corner above the music shop.

I'll probably get shot down by half of you for saying this, but I'm glad that its designer took inspiration from my side of the Atlantic again, although exactly where from is hard to pinpoint!

My only complaint concerns the occupants of the retail units: they are a bit obscure. In a set named Shopping Street, I think a corner shop and a nail bar would be more appropriate nowadays!

The price of the 3,456 piece model is $249.99, £229.99, €249.99, which is a $20/£30 increase on last year's 10350 Tudor Corner. It does, however, have 200 more pieces than the drinking establishment, and more in fact than any other single baseplate building, so it's still fair value for money.

One advantage to publishing my review late is that you won't have long to wait after reading it before you can buy it: it'll be available at LEGO.com tomorrow, and the gift with purchase with it, or indeed any purchase over £180, $200 or €200, will be 40913 Vintage Parade Car.

85 comments on this article

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By in United States,

Gonna be brutally honest: this set just feels like an uninteresting rehash of 10255

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By in Iran,

I feel like this modular is a bit lacking on it's own but is sure to add really nicely to a row of them.

last year's model set the bar too high and I doubt it'll be surpassed any time soon.

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By in United States,

As WolfpackBricks63 and others have noted, this is a watered-down version of Assembly Square. And that set had retail and commercial spaces more realistically tied to "shopping streets".

I loved Tudor Corner last year, but will be skipping this. Some nice individual pieces do not an interesting LEGO set make.

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By in Belgium,

Not fond of the colors...

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By in Germany,

What a bad design. This one makes the Jazz Club look great in comparison.

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By in Netherlands,

I see a furniture-maker who is so distracted by her loud, loud neighbour that she is forced to throw away her very livelihood. This woman is not in a good space.

The only story that's going to be told here, is "The Case of the Partially Eaten Musical Instruments Salesperson", a -very- brief Ace Brickman Murder Mystery.

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By in Serbia,

@Huw - can you show a photo next to Assembly Square, since it's the most thematically appropriate other modular?

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By in United Kingdom,

I adore the alleyway - hidden away, it's something I missed glancing over the press release.
The angled work is nothing less than art. A bar has been set here for years to come.
It unfortunate then, that the overall execution leaves something to be desired. Perhaps similarities and discussions of "rehashes" are inevitable after so many years of modulars. No one can argue however, that a brass band shop and a chair design workshop have been done before!

On the closeup looks at the windows, it's terrible to see so many scuffs, scratches and other marks (although a number of these are bits of fluff and cat hair). It's been said before, but LEGO really need to sort out protection of such elements, in manufacturing and shipping within the boxes. Parts in this state are simply not good enough.

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By in United States,

This is at least the third alleyway between buildings, both Assembly Square and Detective Shop have them, with Detective Shop having a building over the alley and Assembly Square having just a roof

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By in United Kingdom,

Does anybody else feel that the GWP should have been a group of Bands people so we could have a full marching band, using the instruments from the band shop?

@Huw - will you be doing your normal follow up article showing this modular lined up against a few others?

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By in United States,

@IgelCampus said:
"What a bad design. This one makes the Jazz Club look great in comparison."

So Jazz Club was going to be the first modular that I skipped. Then this came out and I decided Jazz Club was not that bad! We'll see if next year's, or the year after's modular can inspire me to pick up this disappointment.

Nice review, though!!!

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By in United States,

I am very tempted by this modular, and this might finally be the the first modular I purchase, mainly due to the (marching) band shop. As a member of a marching band I really hope that these torsos come to the build a mini figure later this year. Also the toilet. I just noticed the gold trimmer clarinet, which is the instrument I play in my marching band.

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By in United Kingdom,

I didn't get the hype for Tudor Corner and I really quite like this building, am I the opposite of a default AFoL?

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By in United Kingdom,

Having this set straight away instead of waiting for my birthday. I like the similar style to hotel boutique, although I feel the smaller building needs another floor.

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By in United States,

I, for one, like the set and applaud the designer in bringing this unique set to life.

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By in United Kingdom,

Not a fan of the colours or angles used. Just feels like a modular moc made up of creator 3in1 sets. Easy pass for me.

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By in Canada,

I like it and will mod it like pretty much all the other modulars I have. Thanks for the review, Huw!

As for the comment that the "designer took inspiration from my side of the Atlantic again": While this is an European design, I can tell of numerous cities throughout North America where these buildings would fit seemlessly.

For that same reason, all the Modular buildings released by Lego easily fit in my fictionnal city of Port-Laval, which is inspired by buildings in Montréal, Québec City, Toronto and Ottawa, with bits of New York City, Chicago and San Francisco.

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By in United Kingdom,

@LegoStevieG said:
"Does anybody else feel that the GWP should have been a group of Bands people so we could have a full marching band, using the instruments from the band shop?

@Huw - will you be doing your normal follow up article showing this modular lined up against a few others?"


Yes I hope to.

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By in United Kingdom,

The building techniques are interesting and varied - I especially appreciate the mix of plate hinges and rounded 1x2 plates to create the angles for the walls and the floor. Things have come a long way since the cafe corner and green grocer! It’s so good to see lots of previously niche AFOL moves making their way regularly into sets aimed at younger fans. I really like this set and I’m glad to see a music shop making an appearance. Now just need a 50% off to make it a reasonable purchase.

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By in United States,

I’m so surprised by all the negativity, although as a diehard modular fan, would prob buy any slop that has the modular label on it lol.

Still, I like it tho

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By in Germany,

Is it the second or the third coat of paint on the duck?

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By in United States,

This is the first modular since I started collecting them with 10243 Parisian Restaurant that I might not pick up. The actual footprint is super tiny considering the increased price this time around. But more so, I can't quite express what I dislike about it. I think the colors and design makes this look like a regular Creator set, not Icons, along with the facades looking like alt 3-in-1 builds? I guess I don't see cohesion between all the choices made here.

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By in Jordan,

I like it, but I don't love it. My biggest issue with it is the interior. Not only is it cramped, but I don't think the space that is there was used very well. I do like the exterior and all the interesting angles and details though.

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By in United States,

@Huw said:
"This view of the ground floor best shows the arrangement of the two buildings, with a 45-degree alleyway between them."

It isn't actually 45º, it's 36.87º, or a 3:4 ratio (so the diagonal is an integer as well, the classic 3-4-5 right triangle). NewE actually got this wrong in their review.

If you look at your top down photo of the ground floor, it's most evident it isn't 45º when you look at the tiling in front of the chair shop. The edge of the grey raised stoop area doesn't cover up each row of tiles below it to the same amount, like it would if it were 45º.

You can also tell due to the angled plates that fit together perfectly where the orthogonal areas abut the angled areas at the first floor floor. They're using 3x6 angled plates (parts 54383 and 54384), which have a 1:3 angle, or about 18.4º. Double that, since two are placed angled side to angled side, and you get about 36.8º, not 45º.

NewE's top down base photo has another area that clearly shows this isn't 45º. At the short angled wall at the rear of the brass instrument shop, the angled wall sits on some brown 45º tiles (part 35787), and you can clearly see the wall is not parallel with the angled edge of those tiles.

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By in United Kingdom,

Could the inspiration be the Austins building in Londonderry? I don't know anything about the building but the left side building does have some similar features.

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By in Australia,

I'm really hesitating on this one. It's not a bad set by any means (that's really hard to do with a modular), but there's nothing about it that screams I NEED IT. The colours aren't particularly striking, and it seems like the designer wanted to show off their skill with angles more so than refining the building itself. Also, really boring theme: its virtually the same as Assembly Square which, as a matter of fact, also had a music store.

I haven't got the Jazz Club yet, so I might take this chance to get it before it retires. I'm also on the hunt for a copy of Detective's Office, so I guess this is a low priority at the moment. Might get it a few years down the track.

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By in United States,

You can tell the British/European bias in this review and I'm not talking about the architecture. This is not a brass band shop, it's a marching band shop. There are no clarinets in brass band. Also brass bands are not very common in the US like they are in the UK.

I do think that this is a huge missed opportunity for Lego to create a trombone mold especially with it being used in the Star Trek set. A french horn mold also would have been useful for holiday sets.

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By in United Kingdom,

@gearwheel said:
" @Huw said:
"This view of the ground floor best shows the arrangement of the two buildings, with a 45-degree alleyway between them."

It isn't actually 45º, it's 36.87º, or a 3:4 ratio (so the diagonal is an integer as well, the classic 3-4-5 right triangle). NewE actually got this wrong in their review.

If you look at your top down photo of the ground floor, it's most evident it isn't 45º when you look at the tiling in front of the chair shop. The edge of the grey raised stoop area doesn't cover up each row of tiles below it to the same amount, like it would if it were 45º.

You can also tell due to the angled plates that fit together perfectly where the orthogonal areas abut the angled areas at the first floor floor. They're using 3x6 angled plates (parts 54383 and 54384), which have a 1:3 angle, or about 18.4º. Double that, since two are placed angled side to angled side, and you get about 36.8º, not 45º.

NewE's top down base photo has another area that clearly shows this isn't 45º. At the short angled wall at the rear of the brass instrument shop, the angled wall sits on some brown 45º tiles (part 35787), and you can clearly see the wall is not parallel with the angled edge of those tiles."


Oh. Right, Umm, thanks.

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By in Poland,

Off for a pilgrimage to the local lego store Friday morning for this fella. I got the Japanese landscape for 80% MSRP online - arriving in mail on Friday. Recent years have shown that modulars sadly don't discount quickly enough.

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By in Netherlands,

Thanks for the review. I quite like this one and thought it might look good across the street of the Boutique Hotel. You know, two towers on each side. Although that probably would mean rebuilding the blank sides, give them windows and extend the pavements for a better mirror image.

I do believe there have been some requests over the years for a set like this that would look good between two modular sets. This seems like a very good fit.

In any case, the first modular I've strongly considered buying since the Boutique Hotel.

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By in United States,

I'm trying to sort out what a "1x4 half-circle tile" is, as mentioned in the review. Anybody have an answer?

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By in United States,

10350 the best ever ? Taking all factors into account…. 10243 and 10246 would like a word.

I’m a diehard Modular Bldg fan. However, this latest entry is just another example of post COVID LEGO being post COVID LEGO.

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By in United States,

@gearwheel said:
" @Huw said:
"This view of the ground floor best shows the arrangement of the two buildings, with a 45-degree alleyway between them."

It isn't actually 45º, it's 36.87º, or a 3:4 ratio (so the diagonal is an integer as well, the classic 3-4-5 right triangle). NewE actually got this wrong in their review...."

Thanks for writing about that, I didn't want to have to do it. The design is pretty simple geometry, in the end, but the way it's all disguised makes it look quite clever. The shaping is definitely the best aspect of this set.

@Brickablat said:
"I'm trying to sort out what a "1x4 half-circle tile" is, as mentioned in the review. Anybody have an answer?"
Going from context, I believe Huw meant these: https://brickset.com/parts/design-79756 . Not exactly what I'd call a "half-circle *tile*," but it's a tricky part to name. I tend to refer to them as "1x4 bumps." They've been around since 2022, but they still feel new.

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By in United States,

I like this set and the building techniques are top-notch. Great parts usage and details. The storytelling going on here is excellent and that’s a huge benefit and plus for the set.

Is it superior over some recent modular sets? No, but I listed positives for this one. I don’t think there is a single “bad” modular set.

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By in United Kingdom,

I'm really surprised this is so disliked. It's one of my favourites, although I'm not sure I could tell you why you exactly. I could, for example, tell you why the Tudor Corner isn't (the Tudor bit is only limited to the top of the building), but this just looks like a great addition to a street. I cannot fathom reading things like "bad design"—and I certainly don't understand the fuss.

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By in United States,

The New Elementary review you linked to shows that if you get multiple copies, you can extend the floors upward. This is something you could do with early sets like Cafe Corner and is something I’ve missed seeing in recent “modular” sets. I’m glad to see modularity return to modular sets!

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By in United States,

Will wait for it to go on sale. Really wish they would do something different, like a hospital.

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By in Poland,

@BLProductions said:
"
Going from context, I believe Huw meant these: https://brickset.com/parts/design-79756 . Not exactly what I'd call a "half-circle *tile*," but it's a tricky part to name. I tend to refer to them as "1x4 bumps." They've been around since 2022, but they still feel new. "


I'd call it a 1x1x4 halfpipe. xD

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By in United States,

I'm not a fan of the price increase when it seems to have a smaller footprint than Tudor Corner. The set itself is pretty nice, and I love the angles, but again, it doesn't have the wow factor. That all being said, from what I have seen online this is one of the best street additions. It works incredibly well with other modulars.
Lastly, I look forward to seeing the MOCs that come from those band Minifigures!

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By in Poland,

I'm really surprised by the amount of negative comments about this modular. Honestly, I think this set uses Pythagorean geometry much better than the beloved Boutique Hotel, which in my opinion is just ugly and poorly balanced.

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By in United States,

I really like this. I think it'll look good added to Assembly Square.

I don't like the GWP, so will be skipping that, but I like the set overall.

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By in Netherlands,

@JanJ said:
" @BLProductions said:
"
Going from context, I believe Huw meant these: https://brickset.com/parts/design-79756 . Not exactly what I'd call a "half-circle *tile*," but it's a tricky part to name. I tend to refer to them as "1x4 bumps." They've been around since 2022, but they still feel new. "


I'd call it a 1x1x4 halfpipe. xD

"


Breadstick, 1x4

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By in United States,

@PDelahanty said:
"The New Elementary review you linked to shows that if you get multiple copies, you can extend the floors upward. This is something you could do with early sets like Cafe Corner and is something I’ve missed seeing in recent “modular” sets. I’m glad to see modularity return to modular sets!"

I may be misunderstanding what you’re talking about (?) but all modulars can be stacked and extended ….

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By in Germany,

Maybe an unpopular opinion, but to me this is one of the worst Modulars ever.
Other than the reintroduction of the rare sand green pieces I can hardly find any redeeming features.

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By in Canada,

Not the best, not the worst. To me, it seems the problem is the naming. The focal point of this set is the alley. Try to come up with a name including 'alley' that makes it enticing. I could not (did not spend much time because it won't matter now anyway).

Bringing 1x8 and 1x2 in sand green is a plus but won't help the set - it will help PaB. I will most likely get this tomorrow to get the parade car and the Chinese horoscope horse. While the look is important, I mostly buy these sets for the building techniques and NPUs - according to @Huw there are plenty so it should be reasonably enjoyable.

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By in United States,

@LegoStevieG said:
"Does anybody else feel that the GWP should have been a group of Bands people so we could have a full marching band, using the instruments from the band shop?

@Huw - will you be doing your normal follow up article showing this modular lined up against a few others?"


@LegoStevieG , I totally agree. I was hoping for more band members in the GWP. The parade car leaves me hoping for another set with band members for the parade!

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By in United Kingdom,

Obviously I wasn't expecting another showstopper like the Tudor Corner but this is certainly pretty damn good. I still have the Natural History Museum on my wishlist, but I'm quite tempted to leapfrog it again with this!

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By in United States,

Another price increase for the modulars :( $250 is too much, especially when it looks worse than every other $230 one.

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By in United States,

Maybe it was mentioned in the review and I completely missed it, but it is nice that there are no stickers in the set. That helps it a bit although I stand by my previous comment.

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By in Australia,

Just reminds me of a Creator 3in1 moc. Looks sooo boooring.

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By in United States,

I started collecting LEGO modulars with the bookshop. Skipped the history museum so far since I don't love it (but may get it at a discount). Tudor was awesome, but may skip this. I've gotten into Lumibricks and just get so much more appealing looking buildings and techniques, and can get two or three for this price :(.

Wonder if there will ever be a Brickset-like for that brand.

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By in Netherlands,

@roz1281 said:
"I started collecting LEGO modulars with the bookshop. Skipped the history museum so far since I don't love it (but may get it at a discount). Tudor was awesome, but may skip this. I've gotten into Lumibricks and just get so much more appealing looking buildings and techniques, and can get two or three for this price :(.

Wonder if there will ever be a Brickset-like for that brand."


I'm quite fond of their steam punk line, especially now that they've put more focus on the story.

Why not be the one to start a Brickset type of website for Lumibricks?

Chapter one: Fun Whole... ;-)

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By in United States,

I love the look of this one, and will certainly be picking it up - looks like a fun build. Pigeons! Rats! Uniformed marching twins! (And yes, I was in my school marching band, too, years ago!)

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By in United States,

@PhantomBricks said:
"Maybe it was mentioned in the review and I completely missed it, but it is nice that there are no stickers in the set. That helps it a bit although I stand by my previous comment."

No stickers is the norm for the Modular Buildings line. There've only been like one or two, can't remember which ones.

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By in Japan,

I like the building itself, but not the interior setup - I think it might seem more coherent with something like having a smaller music shop (or a different shop entirely) on the right, then using the larger shop for furniture with a flat / workshop above....

Also, is this the first modular with no roof access? I thought that was required by modular street zoning regulations, the way the others all squeeze in random ladders and roof hatches...

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By in Australia,

That wooden duck is a cute reference.

They even went so far as to put little tiny Lego logos on its wheels ;)

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By in Canada,

I want to like this set enough to persuade me to buy it, however after another review I'm still not convinced, so no purchase from me anytime soon.

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By in Philippines,

At first glance, I thought the yellow chair in the trash bin was supposed to be melted cheese dripping. Maybe something for the rat to feast on? :D

But yeah, that yellow chair has been around since the early Basic sets of the 90s.

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By in United States,

@TheOtherMike said:
" @PhantomBricks said:
"Maybe it was mentioned in the review and I completely missed it, but it is nice that there are no stickers in the set. That helps it a bit although I stand by my previous comment."

No stickers is the norm for the Modular Buildings line. There've only been like one or two, can't remember which ones."


Ah, that would explain it, thanks! I have only admired modulars from afar so wouldn't know the standard first hand. It's probably for the best since I would probably get fully pulled into modular collecting, and I can't afford it, especially with these prices.

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By in Taiwan,

Don't know why people thinks it's similar to 10255 .
The white building on the left has a clear resemblance with 10264 and 10297 .

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By in United States,

I quite like the design but agree with the comments that the color palette needed another pass. When you compare the look and feel to sets like the Bookshop and Parisian Restaurant, it’s a hydrogen bomb vs coughing baby situation.

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By in Canada,

To me this set feels like a mix between Assembly Square (because of the space between both buildings for pedestrians to walk) and Boutique Hotel (because of the shaping of the white building). Assembly Square also had elements from previous modulars, however it was an anniversary set paying homage to the modular theme, so to me it was totally fine. Shopping Street on the other hand is not an anniversary set, which is why to me it feels like they were just trying to reuse certain elements from previous designs rather than coming up with something completely new (which I acknowledge it's more difficult to do after so many modulars released but still doable). In addition, the final product looks nice to me from certain angles but not so good from others, if you use it in a city definitely choose well which sets you want to put next to it as some seem to work much better than others from what I've seen in other reviews.

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By in Croatia,

I didn't like 10350 Tudor Corner, but this one is disappointing! I'll get myself 10312 Jazz Club (+ 76311 to combine them!).
Only if Lego would build updated version of THE greatest modular 10243 Parisian Restaurant! It would be great for everybody! (maybe not for those that are selling 10243)

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By in United Kingdom,

Ack! I really wanted this review to change my mind and tempt me - because Modular buildings are the set that I most enjoy and look forward to. I was put off at the reveal because of the price increase, and this review only highlights the absurdity of it - and its the whole roof section atop 'Brickley's'.. seems over elaborate for a rooftop, and that's where the extra pieces went to inflate the price! And the alleyway.. to what? At least put something of interest at the end - continue the water feature perhaps, or, how about this - Include a clear backed transfer sheet with some 'street art' to decorate the walls (plus a street artist minifig).
Anyway!
Happy New Year to all.

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By in United States,

@Brick_Master said:
"Also, is this the first modular with no roof access? I thought that was required by modular street zoning regulations, the way the others all squeeze in random ladders and roof hatches..."

If I ended up with this set, I'd be tempted to find or make a minifig that would make a good building insector. "You've got a serious violation there, I can't approve this building."

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By in Spain,

@xurotaryrocket said:
" @PDelahanty said:
"The New Elementary review you linked to shows that if you get multiple copies, you can extend the floors upward. This is something you could do with early sets like Cafe Corner and is something I’ve missed seeing in recent “modular” sets. I’m glad to see modularity return to modular sets!"

I may be misunderstanding what you’re talking about (?) but all modulars can be stacked and extended ….
"


No, por ejemplo no se puede con la comisaría de policía...

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By in Spain,

Solo ha usado pegatinas el Palace Cinema.

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By in United Kingdom,

I don't understand the hate, it's a nice model with an interesting build. I think my main issue is the colour scheme - I'd be fascinated to see a recoloured version, as white/sand green/dark tan/dark orange/dark blue is somehow both quite busy and also just a bit bland.

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By in Germany,

Loo with a view!

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By in Spain,

@gearwheel said:
" @Huw said:
"This view of the ground floor best shows the arrangement of the two buildings, with a 45-degree alleyway between them."

It isn't actually 45º, it's 36.87º, or a 3:4 ratio (so the diagonal is an integer as well, the classic 3-4-5 right triangle). NewE actually got this wrong in their review.

If you look at your top down photo of the ground floor, it's most evident it isn't 45º when you look at the tiling in front of the chair shop. The edge of the grey raised stoop area doesn't cover up each row of tiles below it to the same amount, like it would if it were 45º.

You can also tell due to the angled plates that fit together perfectly where the orthogonal areas abut the angled areas at the first floor floor. They're using 3x6 angled plates (parts 54383 and 54384), which have a 1:3 angle, or about 18.4º. Double that, since two are placed angled side to angled side, and you get about 36.8º, not 45º.

NewE's top down base photo has another area that clearly shows this isn't 45º. At the short angled wall at the rear of the brass instrument shop, the angled wall sits on some brown 45º tiles (part 35787), and you can clearly see the wall is not parallel with the angled edge of those tiles."


Which actually makes the design all the more impressive, in my opinion.

Happy New Year to all, by the way :)

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By in Austria,

Can't help and don't exactly know why, but the colours of the left building scream "Lego Disney" for me ... It's that white+tan+blue+gold, can't even say which Disney set exactly. Maybe this is supported by some kitschy ornamental features too.

Somehow this doesn't feel fully grown up but slightly too basic - reminds me of the book store maybe?

One of the very rare modulars I won't buy day one but wait for some discount in a year or so. Then going to change some colour and leave out that golden top tower ... Would have been much better in oxidized copper (brown or sand green) instead of pearl gold.

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By in United Kingdom,

I have bought this.
But I have also just completed my first ever NON - LEGO Modular, and all I can say is, the bar elsewhere is VERY HIGH in every respect. That Record Store is brilliant quality, lots of fantastic prints and of course lights. I was so impressed by the quality of the bricks. Plus the cost was comparatively SO LOW. LEGO needs to quickly raise its game because I, like many others, have found a rival company that listens to its buyers. Yes, LISTENS....

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By in Singapore,

Sorry, but more pieces does not mean it's better. Will be skipping this one.

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By in Belgium,

I truly do not understand all the hate for this set. To me, it looks great. Yes, it reminds us of Assembly Square. Not really a bad thing. It fits with just about every Modular ever released, though least with last year’s.

I have not built Tudor Corner yet (still waiting for a decent discount to buy it), but solely based on that set’s look, I also do not understand the adoration. Yes, it looks nice (not fantastic to me, just nice). But it’s so different from the rest of Modular Town that it stands out. That can be fun, but it also hard makes it to coherently configureyour town so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

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By in United Kingdom,

Very nice, but I don't enjoy building a set like this and hiding all the interior detail. Other brick model makes have opening sides and other features to reveal all the beautiful interior work. Lego is now technically years behind its more agile competition. But a bonus mark for finally ending use of stickers

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By in United Kingdom,

Mine will hopefully be ordered this evening by my partner as my Christmas present; I like it, the colours are good although I am getting elements of the Bank, Assembly Square and the Boutique Hotel too - as as been mentioned a couple of times it really needs modding (as almost all of my modulars have been); not with another storey but with a warehouse extension to the side of the furniture store to give them a bit more room to work and display - already thinking of a Victorian (UK) style warehouse in dark orange with a reddish brown base to match the ground floor but I am running very low on land availability!

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By in Belgium,

@Snail said:
"Can't help and don't exactly know why, but the colours of the left building scream "Lego Disney" for me ... It's that white+tan+blue+gold, can't even say which Disney set exactly. Maybe this is supported by some kitschy ornamental features too.

Somehow this doesn't feel fully grown up but slightly too basic - reminds me of the book store maybe?

One of the very rare modulars I won't buy day one but wait for some discount in a year or so. Then going to change some colour and leave out that golden top tower ... Would have been much better in oxidized copper (brown or sand green) instead of pearl gold. "


I understand what you mean. The colors of the left building probably also remind you of the original 71040 Disney Castle from 2016, which is a good thing IMO. Its shades were elegant & sober.

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By in Austria,

@Raph90 said:
" @Snail said:
"Can't help and don't exactly know why, but the colours of the left building scream "Lego Disney" for me ... It's that white+tan+blue+gold, can't even say which Disney set exactly. Maybe this is supported by some kitschy ornamental features too.

Somehow this doesn't feel fully grown up but slightly too basic - reminds me of the book store maybe?

One of the very rare modulars I won't buy day one but wait for some discount in a year or so. Then going to change some colour and leave out that golden top tower ... Would have been much better in oxidized copper (brown or sand green) instead of pearl gold. "


I understand what you mean. The colors of the left building probably also remind you of the original 71040 Disney Castle from 2016, which is a good thing IMO. Its shades were elegant & sober. "


There we have it - thanks :-)

As my personal opinion is that Lego and Disney are no good match at all, this may cause my dissonance with this modular ... Can be changed by removing the Tan and Gold though, so sooner or later I may buy this anyway ...

Except if I dare to try some alternative ... I'm just afraid of the mindless opulence and lack of distinctive style in those, but if Lego is doing the same, they sooner or later may make me try.

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By in United States,

@netlife said:
"Very nice, but I don't enjoy building a set like this and hiding all the interior detail. Other brick model makes have opening sides and other features to reveal all the beautiful interior work. Lego is now technically years behind its more agile competition. But a bonus mark for finally ending use of stickers"

There's no "finally" about it; as I said earlier, the Modular buildings line has only used stickers once, in 10232.

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By in United States,

I know we used to tease about where do they go to the bathroom…but if I never see a bathroom again, I wouldn’t be upset. And why all the windows? Exhibitionist?

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By in Norway,

@Huw said: "The price of the 3,456 piece model is $249.99, £229.99, €249.99, which is a $20/£30 increase on last year's 10350 Tudor Corner. It does, however, have 200 more pieces than the drinking establishment [...] so it's still fair value for money"

$20? As if, here in Norway it's 600kr more than Tudor (3400 vs 2800), essentially a $60 increase. Which takes it from "Modulars are getting expensive nowadays" (10312 Jazz Club was 2000kr) to my absolute "Maybe once every third year" max limit, making this the first modular I seriously consider skipping. It's not as bad as some commenters here makes it out to be (and I usually mod these anyway), but for that price it has to be pretty stellar. And don't come with that "Only suckers pays MSRP, everyone else waits for the inevitable 20% discount" nonsense - that just doesn't happen here.

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By in United States,

@PhantomBricks said:
"Maybe it was mentioned in the review and I completely missed it, but it is nice that there are no stickers in the set. That helps it a bit although I stand by my previous comment."

I just built the new Taxi, Lego Van, and Recycle Truck and none of those had stickers either(you would think so). So, hopefully Lego has stopped with stickers and just now will be printing the details on the pieces.

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By in United States,

I own all other modulars. Will be skipping this one. Read this review in hopes that it would change my mind. Then I read about percussion instruments on the 2nd floor and I started to get excited! Then I saw it and how pathetic. I'm a percussionist irl and this is an insult. The buildings are too small to put anything meaningful inside. TLG cost cutting has finally destroyed the modulars. I knew this day would come. Ah well, it was truly a great run!

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By in United Kingdom,

I’m struggling to love the interior of the marching band shop. I'm either going to convert it into a guitar shop or something completely different such as a toyshop, cafe with maybe an office upstairs.

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