Across shopping centers in the United States and Canada, a unique retail experience has emerged, catering to both nostalgic adults and avid LEGO collectors. BAM Franchising Inc., the company behind Bricks & Minifigs, has created a network of stores specializing in buying, selling, and trading LEGO products, including minifigures, sets, and bulk bricks. What began as a niche market has grown into a thriving franchise system, combining retail entrepreneurship with a passionate community of builders and collectors.
Incorporated as an Oregon corporation on April 29, 2011, BAM Franchising has since expanded its reach, supporting over 160 locations across North America. The franchise’s appeal lies in its focus on LEGO enthusiasts who value both the nostalgia and collectibility of the product. Each store serves as more than just a retail space; it is a hub for trade-ins, collectible finds, and interactive experiences that encourage creativity and community engagement.
BAM Franchising’s success is rooted in a simple yet effective business model: combine a love of LEGO with a replicable retail framework that enables franchisees to operate profitable, community-oriented stores. The brand’s “BAM in a Box” concept provides new franchisees with the tools, strategies, and support needed to establish a store quickly, offering guidance from site selection and inventory management to marketing and operations. This approach has allowed the company to expand steadily while maintaining a focus on its core audience: dedicated LEGO fans.
The Origins of BAM Franchising
The story of BAM Franchising begins with a shared passion for LEGO. In the early 2000s, David Ortiz, a LEGO collector, and John Masek, a retail expert, identified a growing opportunity in the secondary LEGO market. They combined their expertise to open the first Bricks & Minifigs stores, which quickly became popular destinations for collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.
The early success of these stores highlighted the potential for a franchise model, leading to the formal incorporation of BAM Franchising Inc. in 2011. The company set out to replicate its unique retail experience nationwide, offering franchisees a chance to enter a specialized market with strong brand recognition and established operational frameworks.
Franchise Model and Support
BAM Franchising’s business model revolves around a blend of new LEGO products and resale inventory sourced from customer trade-ins, private collectors, and bulk purchases. This approach creates a dynamic retail environment where each store’s inventory is unique and frequently updated.
Prospective franchisees are required to invest between $147,500 and $304,100 to cover franchise fees, initial inventory, store build-out, and equipment. In return, they gain access to extensive support through the “BAM in a Box” system, which includes guidance on store layout, inventory management, point-of-sale systems, and marketing strategies. Corporate staff also assist with ongoing operations, ensuring that franchisees can maintain consistency and maximize profitability.
In addition to retail operations, BAM encourages franchisees to host events such as workshops, birthday parties, and community-building activities. These initiatives strengthen customer loyalty and create experiences that go beyond simple transactions, emphasizing creativity, sustainability, and engagement.
The Store Experience
Walking into a Bricks & Minifigs store is designed to feel like stepping into a world of discovery. Walls lined with minifigures, shelves filled with new and retired LEGO sets, and bins of bulk bricks invite customers to explore and create. Staff are often highly knowledgeable, assisting with set valuations, identifying rare pieces, and helping customers customize collections.
For many customers, shopping at Bricks & Minifigs is as much about the experience as it is about purchasing LEGO. Adult collectors can hunt for rare minifigures, children can explore creative building opportunities, and families can participate in workshops. This immersive environment helps distinguish the franchise from both traditional toy stores and online marketplaces, emphasizing community, creativity, and play.
Employment and Roles
BAM Franchising supports a variety of employment opportunities, both within stores and at corporate headquarters. Common roles include store managers, retail associates, and franchise consultants, with wages ranging from $16 to $19 per hour for retail positions and approximately $54,250 per year for franchise consultants.
Employees frequently cite the enjoyment of working with LEGO products and engaging with passionate customers as highlights of their roles. However, reviews also note the challenges inherent in retail, such as variable management practices and the physical demands of handling large quantities of LEGO bricks. The franchise structure can result in differing workplace experiences depending on the store owner, reflecting the independent nature of each franchise.
Challenges in a Niche Market
While BAM Franchising has successfully created a thriving network, operating a LEGO-focused retail business comes with unique challenges. Competition from online marketplaces and official LEGO stores can impact pricing and inventory management. Additionally, maintaining customer engagement and profitability in a niche market requires balancing operational efficiency with the playful, community-oriented culture that defines Bricks & Minifigs.
Franchisees must navigate overhead costs, staffing needs, and fluctuating demand while staying true to the brand’s mission of fostering creativity and community. This balance is critical to sustaining the franchise in an increasingly digital retail landscape.
Community and Brand Culture
A key strength of BAM Franchising is its focus on building community around LEGO. Stores often host workshops, after-school programs, and birthday events, creating spaces where creativity and learning intersect. Corporate messaging reinforces this approach, highlighting sustainability through LEGO reuse and the cultivation of lifelong building skills.
This emphasis on culture and experience has helped Bricks & Minifigs maintain relevance despite the pressures facing physical retail. By positioning stores as more than mere shops, the franchise encourages repeat visits, fosters brand loyalty, and strengthens its connection to local communities.
Conclusion
BAM Franchising Inc. has demonstrated how a passion for a beloved toy can evolve into a successful franchise model. By focusing on the LEGO resale market, providing robust support for franchisees, and cultivating immersive, community-oriented store experiences, the company has created a sustainable and unique business network.
The franchise’s growth illustrates the potential of niche markets in the modern retail landscape, while also highlighting the challenges of physical stores in a digital economy. As Bricks & Minifigs continues to expand, balancing profitability, employee satisfaction, and customer engagement will remain essential to maintaining the playful, community-driven spirit that has defined the brand from its inception.
FAQs
What is BAM Franchising Inc.?
BAM Franchising Inc. is the company behind Bricks & Minifigs, a franchise specializing in LEGO resale, trade, and retail.
How many locations does Bricks & Minifigs have?
The franchise supports over 160 locations across the United States and Canada.
How much does it cost to open a franchise?
Startup costs typically range from $147,500 to $304,100, covering fees, inventory, and store setup.
Does Bricks & Minifigs sell new LEGO sets?
Yes, stores sell both new and pre-owned LEGO products, including sets, minifigures, and bulk bricks.
Can customers sell their LEGO to stores?
Yes, customers can trade in or sell LEGO for cash or store credit, depending on store policy.
