If I'm not mistaken the original deal with RS was a two year commitment. I think that RS is just moving stock out of stores with no Vex sales, and moving it to stores with Vex sales. I went into two of my local stores and as fast as I bought out product, it was restocked. I think the idea of a Vex pullout is very premature. RS as an entire organization is having financial trouble. So product realignment is to be expected.
This big Vex sale is a perfect time to buy your Vex stuff. Based on the traffic here on CD, RS should start taking notice of Vex soon. There are quite a few large purchases going on. If you think Vex is selling slow, stop and think, when's the last time you personally saw a LEGO Mindstorm purchase at a retail store?
Thought so.
RS may be considering moving much of the sales to online and educational divisions, and only stocking it in high volume stores.
And... If you haven't checked out the new ROBOT Magazine
here. The first two issues had several articles on Vex. Much more than other hobbyist robot systems. If RS does drop their exclusive contract with Vex I'm sure another vendor with gladly pick up the product line.
Just my 1.9999 cents worth.
