Advanced notice of discontinued sets?

[Oberst Hajj]

Just wondering if Lego gives advanced notice when they are going to discontinue sets? If so, about how much notice do they give? Or is there a normal life cycle of a set is?

[Zeya]

They do not make such announcements. Predicting when any given set will be discontinued is more of an art than a science. If you have anything particular in mind, just ask.

[Edmond Dantes]

Just wondering if Lego gives advanced notice when they are going to discontinue sets? If so, about how much notice do they give? Or is there a normal life cycle of a set is?

They have only given advanced notice once that I can remember, in the last five years (when I started paying attention to Lego again). That was when they discontinued 10179.

Otherwise, no, no notice is given (at least to the public at large).

[Oberst Hajj]

Thanks for the replies. I don't have any sets in mind right now, was just kind of wondering. I'm interested in knowing for personal reason, not speculating in the "Lego aftermarket".

[popnfresh]

It used to be a pretty strict two year schedule for most sets, but these days there is almost no schedule and no warning and some have lifespans of 5+.

[Oberst Hajj]

Thanks again everyone. Is it pretty typical that the retiring sets go on sale most places?

[Derek]

Thanks again everyone. Is it pretty typical that the retiring sets go on sale most places?

It's hit or miss. I guess depending on how well it's selling. Some of them get discounted quite heavily:
General Grievous went down to $20 or $30 (from about $70, I believe). The UCS Death Star went to $150 (from $270ish). Rogue Shadow ended up 50% off. All on their way out.

Sets like the Death Star Playset will probably never be discounted (on LEGO SAH anyway) as long as it continues to sell well.

[ss7man]

Don't confuse sales war and competitions between retailers as a sign of sets being retired. Every year at around xmas season, its the same old. This year, they're pushing the christmas season up by a month early.