talkmagic.co.uk

When I first started out in magic about ten years ago, I spent a lot of time (and money!) in my nearest magic shop, Davenport's of Charing Cross. This is where I learned how to do the Elmsley Count, all those years ago. I also used to visit International Magic Studio (Farringdon) on a less frequent basis, where I was fortunate enough to have met Jerry Sadowitz and had him perform a few card tricks for me. I must have spent hundreds of pounds on various books, packet tricks and other paraphernalia. Then I got a computer and discovered the internet. All of a sudden, I found myself purchasing more and more of my supplies and props from magic websites such as Penguin Magic and Magic Tricks. Apart from the fact that these sites are generally a lot cheaper than Davenport's and IMS, it was so much more convenient to browse all their products online and even view demo videos for most effects. Last time I was in Davenport's, someone asked to see demonstrations for at least a dozen effects and it was obvious he had no intention of making a purchase - they were on the verge of asking him to leave the premises! Internet sites simply cannot offer such a personal service, but is that enough?

I used to visit Davenport's at least once a month. Since I got a laptop, I go once or twice a year, if that. I still think nothing beats a live demonstration in the atmospheric surroundings of a magic shop; demo videos will never be as good as that. But magic can be an expensive hobby and like any other aspect of life, if I can get the same thing for cheaper elsewhere, then I will. I wonder if Davenport's and other magic shops are feeling the effects of lost custom? I realise they are not just a shop, but also have weekend magic clubs for the kids; this can only be a good thing and I am all for promoting magic as a hobby. Who knows, our next Elmsley/Vernon/Marlo may emerge from the dimly lit interior that is Davenport's.

How many of us still make the bulk of our purchases from shops such as Davenport's? Magic shops are few and far between and most people are not fortunate enough to live or work close to one. I would wager that most of us use the internet for our magical needs - I wonder how this is affecting bricks-and-mortar shops? I would be interested to hear from anyone who actually works in a magic shop.

Im afraid all my purchases have been made online - for one simple reason - I am unable to find a store near to where I live. This, I believe, is detrimental to magic in one way and positive in another. I personally would much rather purchase tricks etc from a 'real' store

Don't get me wrong, the online stores I use are perfectly fine, but it would be nice to discuss various tricks and their effects etc face to face.

So if anyone is from Salford/Manchester and knows a good magic shop please let me know.

Although online sites are cheaper I do sometimes wonder if I would save money if I only bought from shops or dealer events due to not buying some of the stuff that looks great online but if you actually saw it demmed you wouldn't buy.

Happy Toad wrote:Although online sites are cheaper I do sometimes wonder if I would save money if I only bought from shops or dealer events due to not buying some of the stuff that looks great online but if you actually saw it demmed you wouldn't buy.

That's a very good point and one that has caught me out on more than one occasion. How many times in the past have I purchased an effect online just because I liked the demo video, only to discover on delivery that it really isn't my style and I don't like it after all? Too many to count. Fortunately for my wallet, those days are virtually behind me now.

Having come up to Staffordshire from London, I too frequented International, Davenports and Alakazam too!

Up here if it weren't for the internet I'd have had to go 'cold turkey' with my addiction.

There is definitely a place for magic shops but realism tells you that the overheads of a one man and his back room internet superstore (post ony, no visitors please) are miniscule compared with the rents, staffing costs and stock levels that need to be maintained by the real (by this I mean 'walk in' versus virtual) magic store. The fact that Davenports not only sells magic (often a a high price because of the tourist trade I would think) but also hosts the London club and has introduced, weaned and nurtured many.

There is a value added element that demands our suppost and yet is ignored by many who want bottom dollar prices and disclosures on the web. There is a need for support from the fraternity for shops which bring in others and provide the nurture and friendship that we must have for our and future generations of magicians.

Accordingly, although I buy from the web, I seek to buy some things from the established (and developing shops) to ensure their continued existence.

Hope this helps (soapbox now back in cupboard),

Vic

drew03 wrote:
So if anyone is from Salford/Manchester and knows a good magic shop please let me know.

Have a go at contacting tricks for Truth, they have a forum and would undoubtedly be a good source of information, products and support.

HTH,

Vic

So if anyone is from Salford/Manchester and knows a good magic shop please let me know

check out the link in my signature for a region by region list of all the magic shops that can be visited in the UK...

there are I note several in the manchester region...

Sorry Bananafish, forgot to point him to the magical Ipswich list,

Vic

I've started in magic with a similar approach to Bicycle808 which is by visiting magic shops. Whilst I purchase numerous items from the internet, I tend to only purchase from here when I've read positive and a number of reviews. I'm rarely sold on something by watching the video alone.

I appreciate that not everyone is fortunate in having a local magic shop but when you have one, you should use it or be prepared to lose it.

Watching a demo in a magic shop is a different experience in itself and you'll know very quickly if a trick suits you, or if you actually like it. This CAN save and will save you money in the long run and you won't get this from the net. If you're a regular customer then the proprietor will usually give you all of the subtelties that are not included in the video or in the instructions.

There are also the many occasions when I've been into the shop for advice about a particular trick or effect that I've seen or heard about, and have been given the 'don't buy it because it falls to bits quickly' or the quality is poor and I've had half my stock returned and won't order anymore etc. You'll never get that over the internet and an honest approach means that you don't learn through paying for bad merchandise.

Finally, the proprietor of the shop must know his (it's usually a he) customers and provide the service that they want. I've been into my local on various days of the week and have never failed to be amazed at the distances that some of the customers is the queue have travelled. To me, this is a good sign. As a regular customer myself, I've also met some really interesting people in the shop who are also regular customers and it's a great benefit to talk over and share your own expereinces of a particular trick, or a performance method.

Give me a shop any day

Magic shops are the ultimate in interactive shopping.

I can remember my first svengali deck being demonstrated to me in the hustle and bustle of Davenports. Having decided that this was the trick I wanted, one of the assistants took me into the club room and taught me to handle the cards - it was quick and dirty, but the expertise and variation that I saw, including the teaser of being like the demonstrator, was enough to convince me.

Buying from the ineternet, all you have it the 'killer trick' spiel and nothing of the real trick. My Davenport's experience conisted of buy it, practise it, practice it infront of the mirror and when you can do it without fail or fluster, take it on the road.

The honesty and the guidance make me think that when it comes to a big purchase (set the price for yourself) I would always go to a shop where I can see it, ask questions, get advice before I purchased it.

I'm with you guys - cost effectiveness is more than a cheap price tag,

Vic

Vic said:

Magic shops are the ultimate in interactive shopping.

Sums it up nicely - god, I wish I had thought of that phrase!