Review: 41732 Downtown Flower and Design Stores
Posted by MeganL,
It's been a fabulous first wave of Friends sets this year, and I'm really looking forward to the second wave. There's one piece of business to finish first; looking at 41732 Downtown Flower and Design Stores. It's the largest Friends set to date with just over 2000 pieces, and tied with 41704 Main Street Building as the most expensive.
I'm thrilled that the Friends line is getting into bigger sets, with many calling this set the first Friends modular. Does it give that modular building experience? Read on to find out.
Summary
41732 Downtown Flower and Design Stores, 2,010 pieces.
£139.99 / $159.99 / €159.99 | 7.0p/8.0c/8.0c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
A modular-worthy build in the largest Friends set to date
- Fantastic building experience with great techniques
- First Friends police!
- Great display piece
- Some basic things (like doors) are missing
- No bathroom!
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Inside the box there are seventeen bags numbered 1-12, one unnumbered bag with three 16x16 plates, four 8x16 plates, and a cardboard folder with three instruction books and a sticker sheet. If we were to apply the modular standard to this set, the stickers would be disappointing. But since stickers are de rigeur for Friends sets, I don't think the size of this sheet is unreasonable.
As with all the sets, there's a map showing where the set is located in Heartlake City. I'm a little surprised to see that this isn't located in the middle of town. However, it looks like it's very convenient for Olly!
Minidolls and animals
There's a good population of nine minidolls included in this set. First up is Adi, the new home owner - she's just bought the apartment that's over the flower shop. She's wearing a lovely sleeveless purple top with some intricate gold designs to match the beautiful necklace she's wear. Those gold accessories match well with her gold sandals! Next is Isabella, who holds the distinction of being the first police presence in Heartlake City. Her torso has some great detail, including her badge and radio. She's holding a tablet with a display that shows pictures of what looks to be two missing children.
Working the flower shop is Fiona, dressed in a pink/fuschia sweater and a long apron with a flower motif on the front. I love her freckles, as I don't remember seeing many minidolls with them. Her fuchsia shoes match the accent on her sweater perfectly. Next on the Friends style parade is Riley, who brings the hipster vibe with her green fedora. It's very fitting she's a sax player. Her flower-patterned dress looks fantastic, and she rocks the look with a chunky necklace and brown boots. Another minidoll hard at work is Aida, who works in the furniture store. She's wearing a sleeveless polo shirt with a pattern befitting her workplace, and is identified by a nametag on a lanyard. Her white sneaks are a comfortable choice for shoes, as I expect she'll be on her feet all day.
The other four minidolls show a couple of familiar faces - I think it's surprising that we only see two of the main Friends characters in a set of this size. First is Liann, who's wearing a new-to-this-set red shirt with a white star pattern and white panels at the shoulders, that have pale green accents themselves. She pairs that with a pair of capris for a very casual look. Olly is wearing the varsity look that we've seen before.
The two microdolls in the set are Victoria and Peter. They're wearing matching outfits that are adorable in lime green with bright pink and lavender accents, including little bows at the neck. They also seem to have a striking resemblance to the pictures on Isabella's tablet, so perhaps Isabella's work for the day is almost done!
There are two requisite cute animals in the set. First is Adi's cat, Mittens. Mittens is a tawny colour with white accents around her eye, on her face, and of course, has white paws which may be the inspiration for her name. Unfortunately it seems that Mittens only has one eye, or perhaps she's just perpetually winking? Grace is Isabella's dog. There was a Grace in 41727 Dog Rescue Center, but this Grace is different.
The completed model
Design Store
The tallest building in this complex is the design store, boasting some eye-catching angles and some marvellous purple tiling on the front. Building the facade is a great experience, and suitable for older children while adults will enjoy it as well. Ever the eco-conscious town, the store has solar panels on the roof for its renewable energy.
The side of the building is not put to waste with three large insets highlighting some of the wares inside. These insets are stickers, and can be a little tricky to apply.
The other side of the building is not that remarkable, but does show off the lovely lavender roof.
A closer look at the entrance shows the tiled sidewalk and flowers. The white birch tree is very reminiscent in style and build as the birch tree in 10270 Bookshop.
Turning to the back, we see that the store is three storeys, literally filled to the top with various kinds of furniture.
The upper level spans multiple storeys; the sky high ceiling for the left hand section allows for multiple displays in the show windows. Some small housewares are in a loft type area that leads to a small balcony with transparent chairs. Below the loft area is another display space with various heights to show off some tables and rugs.
Additional lamps, housewares, and other furnishings are found on the other half of this floor. The designers have wasted no space, even mounting a bed on the wall!
The ground floor of the design store is just as packed as the others; more chairs, tables, and rugs can be found here, along with a check-out station for Aida. It's interesting to note that there are no stairs or other means of accessing anything other than the ground level.
There are a number of choices and styles for furnishings available at the store. This one is quite traditional.
This set is clearly for those with more flair for colour.
Finally, something for those with a modern bent.
Center section
In the centre of this complex is a plaza area with fountain, not unlike 10255 Assembly Square. In true Friends fashion, this fountain has a heart accent. I love that the area is called "Unity Street", and that there are stairs here with rainbow-coloured accents.
The stairs lead to an outdoor dining area, where we see someone has been enjoying a pizza and some drinks. Since Liann is known for snacking, we know she's likely close by! A string of colourful fairy lights is overhead. I have to admit, though - see that open space so close to that open space with no guard rails makes the safety professional in me very uneasy. I'm also a little surprised that this space does not lead to access to either of the other buildings.
Where there's food and colourful stairs and lights, you'll always have colourful visitors.
(Note: sloths not included in this set)
Here's a look at the back of this section, so you can see the other colourful rainbow stairs.
Flower store and apartment
On the other side of the fountain plaza is the flower shop, appropriately named "Bloom". The entrance is as detailed as you would see in a modular, and building the facade for this building reminded me of the building experience in 10312 Jazz Club.
I like the brick build bouquet of flowers over the door, and the bright colouring of the outside of the apartment. A sign in the window shows that the apartment has recently been sold, and ready for Adi to move in.
The rooftop is given over to a garden; it's here where Fiona grows the flowers for her shop. Though at the moment it looks like there more flowers in the shop than the garden! Fiona is also doing her part for the pollinators by keeping a beehive up here as well.
Looking to the inside the building, we see Adi's apartment. There's a paint can and roller ready for decorating, and some boxes nearby to be unpacked. Seeing an empty apartment definitely reminded me of the empty room in 10218 Pet Shop. The difference, of course, is that there is furniture right next door!
Unfortunately, there is only one door in the apartment, and it leads to a small balcony. There's no other discernible way of gaining access to the apartment. Indeed, calling it an apartment is a bit of stretch, since there's only one room. The good news is that filling it with furniture will not be difficult. But since this is a Friends set, I have to ask - where's the bathroom???
The ground floor is the flower shop that has some lovely detail. I particularly love the stained glass window effects over the door and in the window frame. Fiona has several floral displays available. Obviously she expects feline and canine customers, as there's a pet food dish and water included.
Additional details are provided on the wall with a sticker, and I like the detail of the old-time cash register (albeit provided by a sticker).
Another angle of the apartment. How does anyone get in?
A full view of the back.
As to be expected, the side of the building facing the plaza is not that attractive.
Overall thoughts
This set looks terrific on display! I love many things about this set - the building experience is great, and will keep adults absorbed. The techniques for the facade on the design store are fun, and I really like the modern vibe of the design store contrasted with the more traditional architecture of the flower shop. The set is populated with a satisfying nine minidolls, and the appearance of Friends' first police presence.
Elements of the set do evoke a modular-like build experience. Some suitably complex techniques are included, as well as features that we've seen in modulars before, such as the birch tree and the fountain. I've mentioned modulars a few times in this review, as the build was very reminiscent of one.
I'm surprised that a bathroom isn't included. It's such a standard for Friends sets, and not having one for stores - or indeed, the apartment - is unusual. However, if you want to compare this to a modular experience, there are several modulars that don't have bathrooms either, so it may not be a gap.
My larger quibble is that there are no stairs to gain entry to different levels, most particularly Adi's apartment. I love the detail of the balcony, but if there was to be a door, I'm surprised a flight of stairs wasn't included so Adi could at least access her home! Though that's likely a complaint from an AFOL - I'm sure that for the target demographic, the lack of stairs won't be an issue.
This is a fun building experience, and the final result looks great on display. I'm very hopeful that this is the start of a number of stores to make up a downtown area for Heartlake City.
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28 comments on this article
No bathroom!
Well, it's not like there's a convenient waterway to dump the poo into.
CITY: "Hey Friends, can I copy your old notes?"
Friends: "You can HAVE my old notes, I'm studying with Modulars now."
Don't think I haven't noticed that maimed cat, plus the conspicuous lack of certain Friends-characters after the police have shown up.
The sloths have so much room for activities in this set!
Before opening the review, I guessed they would be hanging out of the string of lights. I suppose they are more comfortable where they are in the photos!
Great review on a really interesting set, as always
I like the idea of an empty apartment and furniture store, but how well do the pieces of furniture fit in the room? I would have liked some images of what that would look like for reference.
The middle section not being connected is a miss for the appartment. There ARE stairs! Why aren't they leading anywhere significant? The designer should look at the creator mini modulars from 2014-2017 for an exemple of how you can do accessibility to appartments.
Wait, would there be a configuration where you place the flower shop on the other end of the middle section and remove the balcony so that its door leads to the terrace? It looks to be modular...
@Binnekamp said:
"I like the idea of an empty apartment and furniture store, but how well do the pieces of furniture fit in the room? I would have liked some images of what that would look like for reference.
The middle section not being connected is a miss for the appartment. There ARE stairs! Why aren't they leading anywhere significant? The designer should look at the creator mini modulars from 2014-2017 for an exemple of how you can do accessibility to appartments.
Wait, would there be a configuration where you place the flower shop on the other end of the middle section and remove the balcony so that its door leads to the terrace? It looks to be modular..."
I think some of the promotional material from Lego has pictures with the different styles in the empty appartment
It's a really fun build, got 2 of this and already combined the store in a full build, looks good next to other modulars
I kind of always pictured the entirety of the heart center to be downtown, but I guess it should also have metropolitan additions. The build looks really good! I do have issue with the lack of an entrance to the apartment. The play value looks fantastic though! Hopefully we'll see that fedora/hair mold in some more traditional combinations! It already appeared in pink with blonde hair if I recall correctly.
Adi is sitting in her apartment, exhausted after a day of decorating.
*BZZZ BZZZ*
Her phone rings.
The Friends amber alert.
Victoria and Peter are missing.
The design aesthetic reminds me of my little sister when she first started dressing herself. It's all over the place. Perhaps that's exactly what they're trying for. Not for me. I prefer the buildings in the wave that was just released. The furniture designs are pretty neat.
I have always wondered, does Megan write her reviews with British English spelling or does she write with American English and Huw translates them to British?
@Faryn said:
" @Binnekamp said:
"I like the idea of an empty apartment and furniture store, but how well do the pieces of furniture fit in the room? I would have liked some images of what that would look like for reference.
The middle section not being connected is a miss for the appartment. There ARE stairs! Why aren't they leading anywhere significant? The designer should look at the creator mini modulars from 2014-2017 for an exemple of how you can do accessibility to appartments.
Wait, would there be a configuration where you place the flower shop on the other end of the middle section and remove the balcony so that its door leads to the terrace? It looks to be modular..."
I think some of the promotional material from Lego has pictures with the different styles in the empty appartment"
The instructions actually show you layouts for positioning each set of furniture.
This is such a great set. Basically a Friends set with some modular building techniques here and there. Really enjoyable build.
@ohrmazd said:
"I have always wondered, does Megan write her reviews with British English spelling or does she write with American English and Huw translates them to British?"
:-) I write my reviews in Canadian English, as that's where I grew up. It's fortunate that British spelling is very similar.
Thanks for the review! Would you be able to snap a few photos of 41732 connected with the aforementioned 41704? Looking to see how everything connects, especially with 41748 coming out soon.
You had me at fedora wearin' sax player!
I am impressed with this set. I love it. This past weekend I saw it at Walmart. I lifted up the box to get a closer and—oomph, the weight of the box surprised me. LOL. Hefty thing for Friends. What a fun build. Great review—thanks!
I grew up playing with Lego in the early 80s. None of the houses back then had stairs or bathrooms. I always assumed that they were in the imaginary back part of the house with the back wall.
Kids today don't realize how lucky they are.
@PDelahanty said:
"I grew up playing with Lego in the early 80s. None of the houses back then had stairs or bathrooms. I always assumed that they were in the imaginary back part of the house with the back wall.
Kids today don't realize how lucky they are."
Same here. When I was a kid we used our imagination. We didn't need named characters in City or everything spelled out or pre-defined for us via some tie-in TV show.
And if our Galaxy Explorer decided to visit Fort Legoredo, that was fine too.
Who cared whether it made sense to grown-ups, as long as it was fun for us.
No bathroom in a set this size? WHAT IS FRIENDS COMING TO?! IT'S RUINED FOREVER! In all seriousness, I'm a little surprised you didn't mention 10312 again when talking about the stained-glass bits. I like the use of Power blasts in the fountain. Side note: I can't be the only one who saw that big "Unity" sticker and thought, "What about Duty and Destiny?" Of course, I do have 40581 sitting near my computer, so Bionicle is never that far from my mind.
@MeganL: Thanks for the explanation regarding your use of language. I thought maybe your UK colleagues were rubbing off on you.
@PDelahanty: As another '80s kid, I noticed the lack of stairs, but never even thought about the lack of bathrooms in those old sets. Of course, dedicated food parts were much rarer then, so both ends of the digestive process were getting neglected! Sure, 6376 had glasses, but the only "food" the minifigs had was a red 1x1 tile. and this was a restaurant set!
AustinPowers: Kids hare perfectly capable of mixing and matching even licensed, named-character toys. How many kids have had their Transformers go up against the Galactic Empire, for example. Or, to borrow an example from Toy Story 3, had space rangers and Corvettes in the Old West?
I don't care if there are no stairs, toilets or whatever, the flowershop is beautiful! I ordered a stickersheet via BL, checked which pieces I had and ordered the rest via B&P. Goes right into my City.
This might be the first (well first large) friends set I get.
I really like the variety of furniture styles!
@TheOtherMike said:
"I thought maybe your UK colleagues were rubbing off on you."
Ooh err....
It's a beautiful set, but I'm going to just say it.
Putting stickers on the inside of panels should be illegal. It's an awful, impossible thing to do, and if I know about it beforehand, it'll make me not buy the set.
I have strong feelings about this.
The first Friends police is cool. I wonder if the first Friends crook is next, complete with a gray and white striped shirt!
@You_reDoingItWrong said:
"The first Friends police is cool. I wonder if the first Friends crook is next, complete with a gray and white striped shirt!"
And.... culottes!
2023 Friends range of sets is particularly good. Close to the best City or Creator. Excellent review, thank you..
Thanks for the nice review.
The flower shop caught my eye when I first saw this set. I think it would make for a nice extension of the Sesame Street set. Those Muppet CMF characters also need places to live. ;-)
@ra226 said:
"You had me at fedora wearin' sax player!"
Is the hair+fedora one piece or is the fedora a really large hair accessory (which would be amazing)