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3M New user Los Angeles, CA 59 Posts |
I recently read an interesting article concerning the few remaining brick and mortar magic shops. Upon completing the article I was quite alarmed, although not entirely surprised to hear that most of these shops will be disappearing within the next year or so due to the rise of the internet shops. The main body of the article focused on "the boys" meeting in the back rooms of such shops and this was where the real magic happened. The secrets shared, the stories told, and the old pros that would visit these shops if they were in town; internet shops can't offer such valuable insight. And, if these treasured few shops do cease to exist, where will our future generations of young magicians go to learn the real secrets? Because, as any veteran magician will tell you, there's no better place to get real advice like an actual shop. It's not about what you're about to buy, but if you happen to hear some whispers from the old boys in the corner, take note and listen close. For what you will hear will ultimately yield much better secrets than the trick you're about to buy. Any thoughts fellow magicians?
Semper Magus
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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
I have many thoughts on this, and have often offered them up in the podcasts when talking to others. I'd love to have a chance to read the specific article to which you are referring before commenting specifically. Where'd you find it?
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lemon ice New user Memory Alpha on my PADD making 37 Posts |
I never had the good fortune to live near a real magic shop and I've only visited one once. That's one of the reasons I got into card magic. You can buy cards at k-mart.
Online shops allow me to purchase effects and books I'd have a much more difficult time getting my hands on otherwise. Sometimes there's a downside to buying online, though. Depending on what you get and where, the shipping can effectively double your cost. That can be a real roadblock to those who don't have a lot of money to blow on magic.
"Sometimes magic sounds like tape."
-The Amazing Johnathan |
3M New user Los Angeles, CA 59 Posts |
Semper Magus
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Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
Our brick and Mortar Shop in Sacramento CA is called Grand Illusions. It is run by Steve Johnson (owner) and his Mom, Leeora and Dad, Don.
Steve is the backbone of a large magic community. G.I. is a meeting place with a great back room and lots of regulars. Steve not only brings in Lecturers but is the anchor for several lectures in the area providing a nice run for the lecturers so they don't come all this way for one lecture. This doesn't just happen, it's hard to coordinate several shops when they are all struggling in their own towns. I hope Brick and Mortars can hang on. They do good work and help a lot of kids. -Mary Mowder |
Futureal Inner circle 1695 Posts |
Times change.
People used to hang out in cigar rooms. |
Rick Fisher Elite user Rick Fisher 471 Posts |
"People used to hang out in cigar rooms."
Magic shops are not 'cigar shops' and we do more than just sit around and shoot the bull. Magicians, amateur and professional,come into our store looking for advice on all sorts of different topics, i.e. routining, is the newest magic trick advertised worth the money, etc. Plus, they get a real feel for an item and get sound professional advice...advice you won't get too often ,,,if at all,,,, on the internet. Yes, times change and all of us need an internet presence but the interent is just one piece of a pie. Yes, magic shops are closing..I hear about it every day. We at FAB are growing our retail presence and expanding our showroom in a town of ....1200....magic shops are viable and play an important role in generating enthusiasm and interest in our art. |
NexusMagicShop Elite user Sunny California 434 Posts |
Grand Illusions and Steve Johnson lit my fire more then 20 years ago. And I can honestly say I didn't open my online store to bury the brick and mortar. I opened my store for many reasons, while many interests have come and gone throughout my life, magic has always remained a constant and provided me with a great many opportunity's.
This kind of blessing of giving back or paying it forward inspired me to open my store more then two years ago. This kind of change is happening in all forms of business. It may have started with the vending machine knocking off the soda jerk and just spawned outward. Think of the Florists, Butchers, Bakers, the mom and pop video stores, The corner coffee shop. All can now be found in your local grocery store. Now we can go to the grocery store and not only buy food, now we buy our flowers, rent movies, do our banking, and even get our caffeinated coffee rush. Change and progress always effects someone somewhere. The Forums on my store state that anyone interested in purchasing magic from me should first visit there local brick and mortar if there is one. I even list all of the available brick and mortar stores in the Nation on my forums. And blogged that other online stores should do the same. If it were economically sound I would have considered opening a Brick and Mortar, but it is not. Additionally, all businesses must change with the times to stay fresh. The Brick and Mortars that are surviving are expanding there reach to the online market as well. Placing blame on E-Magic stores is an ignorant statement. There is no blame, only change. And a business owner must keep up with change to survive in any business. While the death of so many Brick and Mortar Magic stores is sad it's inevitable if they do not embrace technology and the changes that the PEOPLE demand. Anyone reading this is guilty of choosing convenience over another option. So if we lay blame it's squarely on us, and our insatiable need for instant gratification. - My Thoughts The List I compiled of Brick and Mortar magic shops: http://www.nexusmagicshop.com/apps/forum......c-stores
Jason of BackroomMagic
www.BackroomMagic.com/| Mobile friendly magic forums and blogs www.twitter.com/Nexusmagicstore |
leondo Special user Las Vegas 759 Posts |
Denny and Lee's in Las Vegas, Saturday mornings at 11:00 o'clock. You wouldn't believe who shows up at the "Caustic Basturds" meetings.
Oh, yea, we're called "Caustic Basturds" for a reason. The beat goes on.... Ted L |
jcrabtree2007 Special user 627 Posts |
I am lucky enough to live near Grand Illusions in Sacramento. Steve Johnson and his parents run a great store there. I often find that the information and advice that I leave with after each visit is often worth more than the items that I purchased. Coming home with a new deck of cards or some magical prop is just the icing on the cake. No internet store can provide that. And you can see the trick performed. Hold it- make sure that it fits your personality. I always have a great time going to the magic shop.
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