I want to begin to collect Fiestaware.  Because I not only have the regular costs, s&h but also Danish customs taxes, this'll be a lengthy process.

But when it says that some color, item or collection is 'retired' what does that mean?  How's it different from being 'discontinued'?

I think I like the Turquoise, the Peacock blue looks good on some sites, not on others.  I really like the Persimmon and think it would look great with the Turquoise but the Persimmon is 'retired'???  My dad says the Ivory looks awful in real life so I don't know what to get with the Turquoise if say I start with 8 plates in two colors; Four of each.

I did some looking and from what I can tell, discontinued and retired mean the same thing.  They must just not be making certain colors anymore and are just selling off what's left.

It is hard with dishes, as this type has natural variations in the final product.  What if you contacted the company and asked if they'd send you any broken items so you could see the color in person and then decide what you want to order?

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that option.  Right now I'm relying on my dad's subjective opinion of the colors he sees in the stores under artificial lighting.