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JJDrew Loyal user Arizona 221 Posts |
I was in the San Diego area last Saturday and took the opportunity to stop and visit Brad Burt's Magic Shop. I had heard a lot about this store and was very excited to get to go see it for myself.
When I got there, there was a sign on the door saying that it was closed. Not just for the day, but for good. The light was on and the sign said to knock if you were making a delivery or something. I knocked and Brad Burt opened the door. I explained that I had come all the way from Phoenix to see his shop and he was kind enough to let me look around the place and chat for a bit. The purchaser brought the check for the store while I was looking over the books. Brad Burt's is no more. I can't begin to describe how lucky I feel to have gotten to see that store while it was still there and to meet Brad Burt. It was only by chance that I was in the area at all. If I hadn't gone that day, I would never have gotten to see it. A bit of gossip, Abbot's granddaughter bought the store and will be opening in its stead a magic store called "Abbotcadabra." Also, Brad Burt's remaining stock is going to be sold online. How long will other brick and morter stores hold out? Do you think they'll all ultimately be put out of business by online competition the same way recorded messages have replaced operators when you call a company? If you think they have no chance, please press one now. If you're hopeful that people value the chance to look at their physical merchandise before it's purchased and will continue to patronize brick and morter stores, please press two now. If you would like to speak to Brad Burt or Al to chat about these issues, please press thre... oh, I guess we've missed the chance. :cry: |
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jalsing New user Allen, TX 89 Posts |
In my early magic days, Brad Burt and his shop were a regular stop in my weekly activities. Brad and his staff of helpful assistants (Greg and JP back in my day) were always kind and helpful to the aspiring magician. Having been out of magic for some years, and now starting to regain interest, I long for the days when I could stop by the local shop and have a chat, share some stories, and learn something from those more experienced. I do hope this is not a trend in the business, while getting supplies online is convenient, nothing can replace the experience "going to the shop" brings.
Sorry to see you go, Brad. Jason Alsing |
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Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Well, guys, this IS a trend and it is sad.
What do you think each of us can do to "help"? Is it just the price thing? Personally I try to buy an item from the first dealer who brought it to my attention/preferably someone I know. The obvious exception is used/collectible stuff. |
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Magic shops make most of there income from new potential magicians. Being on line business is taking this instant delivery to new heights. I do not see any hope for the magic store to survive.
There are not that many customers to begin with, so to take any sales away will affect business. I noticed you just visited and did not buy anything. That is why they go out of business. They need sales. They are not there as a Museum. Maybe that is the answer. Open a shop and charge to enter and look at the stuff, so you can go home and order on line for the best price. Or better yet, order on the net straight from the shop. This srore idea is copywrited protected by me. |
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the Sponge Inner circle Atlanta 2771 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-05-18 00:05, wmhegbli wrote: I didn't see where it said for sure he didn't, I can't imagine traveling all that way without intent to buy; however, since "The purchaser brought the check for the store" the store may have included the stock and/or no purchases could be made. s |
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Rob Johnston Inner circle Utah 2060 Posts |
I do most of my business with an actual shop...one that I have complete respect for.
What they did right is this: They still have a great and physical shop, but they also made online orders available...so I can still do business with them anywhere even though I don't live near them anymore. This way, they can compete with all the online monopolies.
"Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable." - Margot Fonteyn
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Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
I don't know if this has anything to do with the store closing, but it might. The few times I went to Brad Burt's website, I found it very hard to get around. It didn't seem very organized at all - at least to me.
I wonder if having a better website could've helped him (assuming that business wasn't good). Ron |
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JJDrew Loyal user Arizona 221 Posts |
I did, in fact, buy something. I work in a magic shop myself and planned, before I arrived there, to buy something to show my support. I got a wonderful pair of out-of-print books which will always remind me of that trip.
Wghembli does make a good point, however, in a more general sense. Stores are not museums. I actually wrote a long rant about customers who benefit from the customer service and other advantages of brick and morter stores and then go home and order online what they've seen and learned about, but then realized that there aren't really enough of them (from what I've seen) to make it worth stressing over. Buying something from a store which has been helpful to you is generally considered a sign of respect (even if it's buying a pack of gum at a gas station since they let you use the restroom). The honorable majority of people feel this to be so, and our customers on the whole are extremely supportive and great to work with. Even those who do not have money to spend are great to have around. There are generally a couple of people hanging out and talking about what moves they're working on, checking out the new items, and generally making the store a livelier and more fun place to work and shop. |
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stilson New user 78 Posts |
All of us lucky enough to have a local shop should sure spend whatever funds you will be investing in magic at the shop, not online. Ignore the shops and they'll go away!
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
The free market economy is simple about this:
You get more of what you pay for. If you want to be able to visit a magic shop... buy at a magic shop.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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Beetroot Loyal user 267 Posts |
I also do all of my business at my local magic shop.
I don't even bother to compare prices. I feel so lucky to have a real local shop that I can visit and an owner who knows me and my tastes. While I really appreciate the on-line shops (that's how I got back into magic) the personal contact cannot be beaten. |
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Somecreative Stagename New user Liberty Lake, WA 20 Posts |
The original post said that there was going to be another magic shop opened in its place. So, we're not losing a physical store, just the wonderful service of Brad himself.
I'm wondering if Brad's videos are going to become collectors’ items now? One of the best things about a physical store is the ability to get a bit of "assistance". I know I would head back to the store every once in a while and ask Brad to show how he did one aspect of a trick. He was always willing to help. I actually remember Brad from the days on 30th Street at Chuck Martinez's Magicians World. I used to ride the city bus down there when I was about 12 years old. It was always an afternoon of watching demo after demo and then spending all of my newspaper route money on the best tricks I could find. Wow... some of my fondest memories. Sorry to see ya' go Brad! I'll miss ya. And I'm not even in San Diego anymore. Paul |
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Brad Burt Inner circle 2675 Posts |
Howdy:
Brad Burt's Magic Shop, sadly, was NOT sold. Those interested just did not have the money. As to why I had to close....... First, I have been VERY ill off and on for the last four years. Mostly ok, now, but it took it's toll. Because of that I missed much growth opportunity in the online arena, etc. Second, business was down overall about 50% in that time. Even counting my general absence it pretty much put the shop in the red. What do I think is going to happen to shops, etc.? I'll share my thoughts and then sit back for the next 5 years and see what happens. Here goes: The only shops that will continue on will be in VERY high traffic locations and HAVE to be in it for the money. They will have mostly restricted stock and demos will be what you see in Las Vegas...same stuff over and over. The online discounting will continue to skim off a huge percentage of the new customer on which most shops depend for their basic profit. Any shop that does want to exsist outside of the tourist model (see Vegas) will HAVE to do the following to make a decent living: 1- Offer good solid classes. I did this for 20 years and just got burned out teaching so let it go for the last 12. Bad idea on my part. 2- Offer products and other services that are unique to the location and personal. 3- Drive themselves into an early grave working like mad to keep up with the 'New Magic' output. Be able to demo, etc. And, then.....I just don't know. I really think that magic shops are generally going to disappear. Niche and larger places will continue on...maybe. What I really think will happen is this: Magic clubs will spring up like never before! You will get guys and gals (say 10-20 or so at a time) forming informal groups that will meet every week instead of once a month. THAT'S where the old magic shop sessioning will end up. I think the big boys, I.B.M., etc. will have to change to fit this greater need or be challenged by this new movement. Hey, it's my theory! I'll see what happens. I know this: Even if it gets to the point that magic can be shown live online it will just not be the same as getting together somewhere. Magic folks are going to want to meet and show each other what they have been working on. My very sincerest regards to you all, Brad Burt
Brad Burt
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Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Good to hear from you Brad.
I'm sure I echo the sentiments of many others when I wish you the very best! (We appreciate your contributions, perhaps more than you realize.) |
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Brent W Regular user Ohio 123 Posts |
I purchased many items over the years from Brad. Sorry to hear about the closing.
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Paul Inner circle A good lecturer at your service! 4409 Posts |
Elsewhere on the forum it mentions another magic shop in Houston closing down.
I feel things are going to change rapidly in the next couple of years. Paul. |
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Brian Proctor Inner circle Somewhere 2323 Posts |
Here in Portland, we have always had the benefit of three shops too choose from. In the last couple of months, two shops are gone.
Its too bad that people won't go out and support local shops like they used to. Most of my purchases are done at the local stores. Why wait days for items from the internet when you can get it today, and without the shipping charges? Oh well. Brian |
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donsmagic Loyal user 258 Posts |
I just heard from a collector friend of mine that the publisher of the SS Adams book David Haversat just bought the SS Adams Co. Just think, that company has been in the Adams family since the early 1900's. Good luck David and I wish you well. I started out in magic with SS Adams tricks.
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Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
I stopped by a magic shop a couple of weeks ago as I was traveling through town. The owner was a pharmacist and had a corner set aside for magicians. He had a pretty good selection and we talked about magic and stores, in general.
He said it has always been a sideline, so no big deal, he basically set it up for the area magicians. HERE IS THE RUB! He used to demonstrate to the youngsters, but they would come in and go through his books and ask to see things; then walk out and buy it all on the internet. He doesn't demonstrate anymore or let anybody look at anything, unless they can demonstrate that they are serious about purchasing. He still keeps an inventory for his close friends and the few magicians that walk in, but that's it. He's done helping the new magicians. It's sad that it has come to this. My best memories were sitting around talking to Joe Berg in his shop and soaking everything in he had to tell us and then buying the jewel he finally shared with us. There's a richness in this art that the youngsters will never have. It's sad, but that's life!
Coram Deo
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boboneO New user 8 Posts |
Add to the list of long-established magic shops that have gone under the name Magicland in Dallas. Mark Roberts, who bought the shop from Howard Hale, threw in the towel a couple weeks ago. Mark is a great guy who was always willing to do favors and who demonstrated with great skill. I will miss visiting his shop.
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