When it came to the rest of the Paul Daniels Dubreq Magic range and the few Tenyo items that we stocked (Sandwich Platter, Wandering Hole and Squeeze Play) - forget it. I may have only been a schoolkid back in 1978-80, but I quickly learnt that I could sell Svengali packs, plastic Cups & Balls the Dutch Looper and Dynamic Coins all day long - to tourists.Īfter these tricks, there was some (albeit less) interest in the Professor's Nightmare, Stripper pack and Spot Paddles. I'm sure that they've got the business acumen to look at the books and identify what sells. However, as Mark correctly points out, the type of Magic tricks that the average (non-magician) punter buys is far removed from what a more experienced Magician would be interested in. I wish them every success in their quest to keep two bricks and mortar outlets in business. They will, of course, find out that there is far more involved than just learning the secret. That's what makes them reach for their wallets. They believe that by buying the trick, they too will be able to accomplish the little miracle they've just witnessed. When a demonstrator accomplishes this, especially up close and in person (as opposed to an online video), it immediately instills in the customer a fervent desire to be able to astonish other people the way they just were. This, in turn, requires smooth, clean, skillful presentation of the trick. What sells a trick is blowing the customer's mind. Josh and Andy are go-getters, and they obviously have a significant amount of business experience, but surely the business of operating a brick and mortar magic shop presents challenges that are different from an online business.Īs to the personnel aspect, I agree with Mark. Among other things, it takes very hard work, planning, resourcefulness, and skillful and reliable personnel. Especially the business of operating a magic shop - and now more than ever in view of the prevalence of online vendors. I think they are out of their area of expertise. I have been selling magic all my life and not just as a pitchman. In one years time, providing I am still alive, I shall bring this post back and we will see if they are still in business. After all, I AM psychic you know.Īnyway, I will tell you what I will do. They haven't opened a magic shop, they acquired an existing one that has been operating successfully for decades. If they are not there at least 70% of the time I predict failure. And the other major problem is for the owners to be absentee landlords. Catering for magicians will lead to disaster. The other thing is to be very selective on the merchandise for sale. The secret is to get GREAT demonstrators. Of course this is a tourist location so they might be in with a chance. They are closing down all over the place left, right and centre. Opening a magic shop nowadays is asking for trouble.
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