BUILDING COMMUNITY: Wilmington’s new Bricks and Minifigs opens more than a Lego store this Saturday
- Delia Stanley
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Scott Saxton still has his first Lego set.
“I had just one,” he says, describing the Lego castle he received in the ‘80s as a Christmas gift from his mother. “I built it, destroyed it, built it, destroyed it again, and created other things with the pieces throughout the years.”
That younger version of Saxton that spent hours building would be thrilled to see where he ended up—as the owner of Bricks and Minifigs Wilmington, ILM’s official Lego resale store. Bins of vivid bricks welcome Lego lovers into the shop, while the iconic Bam Blue and Bright Yellow colors draw the eye to shelves lined with full sets; some vintage, some modern, all evoking excitement and nostalgia. Lego has been a staple in American childhood for generations, but it's not just children that look forward to Bricks and Minifigs officially opening their doors this Saturday, March 28, 2026.
“As a child, Lego was creativity, an expression of your creative self,” says Saxton. “As an adult, I re-engaged with Lego as a way to keep focused and relieve stress.”
In a productivity driven world where so many never see the end of their to-do list, Scott describes the appeal of completing a build. “There’s nothing better than going to the store, getting a Lego set, and just concentrating on that. Many are small enough to complete in one sitting, and it’s very satisfying.”
Sets aimed at an older audience are represented at Bricks and Minifigs, with gorgeous floral bouquets and Lego versions of famous paintings in stock. If you can't find what you are looking for, the shop team is ready to help.
“We want as much variety as possible—a little something for everyone,” he explains. “The cool thing about our business model is that we buy, sell and trade. We might know what we are going to buy for inventory, but we have no idea what’s going to come in from folks in the community. There are things in the showroom today that weren’t there two weeks ago.”
The Bricks and Minifigs staff can also act as a liaison for those searching for something specific, scouring the internet and floating the idea of a “bounty board” where people can write down what they are looking for when they need help with their hunt.
Saxton is clear, however, that the traditional buying and selling function of his storefront is just one aspect of his vision for Wilmington’s newest nerdy haven.
“This isn’t just transactional,” he says, describing the “Cheers effect” of places where everyone knows your name as soon as you walk through the door. “In ‘Cheers,’ people would just come in and talk for hours with each other. That’s what we want here. The familiarity, the friendliness, that has to be paramount. This is not just a store, it’s an experience when you walk through our doors.”
From summer camps and birthday parties to team building meetings and date nights, bringing folks together is at the heart of Saxton’s plans for Bricks and Minifigs. His community oriented focus is seen all over the store, covered inside and out with murals that represent local history and culture, which Saxton calls a “love letter to Wilmington.”
“This is the longest place I’ve ever lived in my life. We have roots here, my son was born here, and we love it. This is an opportunity to do something in our community that can make a difference on a grander scale.”
Saxton sourced the Wilmington creative community for his grand opening party on March 28, which will include a meet and greet with the mural artists, live music, vendors, a bounce castle, photo booth and a presence from the Z107.5 radio station. “As much as possible, we want to uplift local artists, creators, and people who are a positive impact on our community.”
“It's the most work I've ever had in my life, but it’s been well worth it,” Saxton explains about the year-long process of becoming a franchise owner and finding the right location. “But I had a vision, and really for the most part it has come together—I knew this location was perfect as soon as I saw it.”
You can follow Bricks and Minifigs Wilmington’s Facebook page and reserve your free tickets to the Grand Opening Bash on March 28 here on their event page.
Details
Bricks and Minifigs Wilmington’s Grand Opening Bash
March 28 at 10 a.m.
1305 Floral Parkway
Free
