talkmagic.co.uk

Last week I was chatting with a friend who doesn't perform any magic and they asked were have all the magic shops gone. Even they remembered there being a lot more magic shops than there are now. I explained that most are online businesses and it is a sign of the times.

Then I came across a post on here that mentioned Aladdins Magic Store, I visited the web site and saw the phrase " if you are in the area call in even if its only for a cup of tea and a chat about magic." and it was only a short distance away, so I set out to get my cup of tea and chat about magic. On the way there I rang up to check on the opening times Oops, it was a Tuesday and they are closed on a Tuesday. No problem they said I could still call in. So I did along with my wife and young daughter.

From the moment I walked in through the door I felt like a kid in a candy shop, not just because of all the magic apparatus in there but it was like being projected back in time. There were to men behind a counter and a couple of customers talking about a magic effect and various pros and cons. Before I had got across the shop I was asked is P practiced magic and how I had heard about the shop. I explained it was through this forum and the magic displays and discussions started. I was offered my cup of tea and had a chat and the had to dart off after making a purchase. (That is another post, but one of the items was a TT and even though I have used a TT for year and purchased them online I learned I was using the wrong type.)

The conversation and demonstration would be called "Customer Service" and it is something that you don't get to the same standard when making an impersonal purchase online. You may be able to exchange emails and get your questions answered but it is not the same as you get with a shop like Aladdin's Magic Store. New is not always best and this shop shows that the experience you have and the service you receive is worth the visit. However I believe that Aladdin have transferred their welcoming customer service to the Internet. You don't get the cup of tea, it does not travel down fiber optics well but you can get a real person to speak to on the phone with a recording saying they will get to you soon and they appreciate that you are listening to their recording and running up a telephone bill.

If you wanted to try a cyber cup of tea you could go to their web site aladdinsmagicshop.com and if you want the truth about a product give them a ring. There is a lot that other magic stores online could learn from this store about "Customer Service" or is it the "Human Touch". I will be purchasing from them in the future online and visiting the premises.

I visited the shop on Sunday and had a great time, I had my kids with me and Ken was very patient with them. Which is a big plus for me because a lot of places hate kids in their shops.

Ill be back in before christmas hopefully, Im after a close up mat. Something im usually ok buying online but I like the experience of going the shop and seeing before I buy etc. Something missing from online shopping.

thats what has killed the majority of magic shops sadly. people enjoyed the customer service but didnt really buy much , and that dont pay the rent,, on top of that ,,you get too many of those g-damn awful one trick pony kids coming in wanting all osrts of latest this and newest that, ND THEY WANT IT NOW ALLRIGHT !!

alex

I popped to a magic store (quite a renowned one with a lovely and very well known shop keeper) and found they didn't stock some of the more obvious items. I was quite surprised at first but I think it is very much the case that some of the magic shops are relying on laymen buying packet tricks rather than magician supplies. I see the argument for it... it's a bigger market if you appeal to everyone. Specifics that appeal to magicians are in lesser demand and are therefore not good business.

DaveM wrote:I popped to a magic store (quite a renowned one with a lovely and very well known shop keeper) and found they didn't stock some of the more obvious items. I was quite surprised at first but I think it is very much the case that some of the magic shops are relying on laymen buying packet tricks rather than magician supplies. I see the argument for it... it's a bigger market if you appeal to everyone. Specifics that appeal to magicians are in lesser demand and are therefore not good business.

I am very lucky to live near the Magicbox shop in Newcastle.

Magicbox supply many orders over the Internet so they carry loads of items in stock.

Their 'magicians only' entrance means you are separated from the general public and can freely talk in magicspeak and get demos from real magicians.
Even better is when you get a demo by Michael Murray of one of his own effects.

Their public entrance tends to carry all the jokes, masks, wigs, face paints, party items and seasonal stuff such as halloween items.
They also have a fancy dress hire business.

The staff play a large part in local magic scene:-

They sponsor the South Tyneside convention.
Graham is currently president of the Newcastle Magic Circle.
... and then there are the famous Thursday night gatherings in the nearby pubs.

(I think I said enough to qualify for a free pint ? )