How to determine if a set is retired?

[loporjai2003]

When it is "SOLD OUT" on the S@H site, does that mean it is retired as there will be no more stock ever or just a temporary thing? The Grand Emporium I've been eyeing for a long time is now sold out

Also, how does one determine when things are retired? I talked to a Lego store employee and told about every 2 years?

[Legobrandon]

A set being sold out does not necessarily mean that it will be discontinued. Some times they just need to replenish the stock. And yes, most sets retire after two years of production.

[loporjai2003]

Thanks for the info, I see that Grand Emporium is back in stock, but I ordered one from Amazon FR ... and after the BF sales, my wallet is hurting ... I've been bitten by the bug as I started with just loose LEGO and odd set and now doing the sets stuff.

[keland]

Easy answer, ask a Lego employee in the month of Dec. They have a 3 page list of things getting the boot. Some of the sets are even 2011 sets.