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Writer's pictureAndrew de Ruiter

The Hidden Cost of Convenience:








How Online Magic Suppliers Are Impacting Brick & Mortar Stores

In the age of digital convenience, it’s easier than ever to buy magic supplies online. With just a few clicks, anyone can purchase tricks, props, and instructional videos from the comfort of their home. However, this convenience comes with a hidden cost that is slowly eroding the foundation of our magic community.


The Rise of Home-Based Magic Suppliers

It’s no secret that many individuals are now selling magic supplies from their own homes. These sellers often purchase products at wholesale prices from distributors who are more than willing to sell to “Bob in his basement” at the same discount they offer to established stores. All Bob needs to do is post the items online and ship them out when orders come in.


The Illusion of Savings

On the surface, this seems like a win-win situation. Buyers get their magic supplies at competitive prices, and sellers make a profit. However, the reality is more complex. Many online buyers are lured in by misleading video promotions that showcase tricks in the best possible light, often using edits, animations, and camera angles to enhance the effect. This can lead to disappointment when the product doesn’t live up to the hype.


The Decline of Brick & Mortar Magic Stores

The real victims of this trend are the brick & mortar magic stores. These stores are more than just retail outlets; they are community hubs where magicians can see tricks performed live, ask questions, and receive expert advice. When buyers opt for the convenience of online shopping, they miss out on the invaluable experience of seeing magic performed in person. This shift in buying habits is causing many physical stores to close their doors for good.


Why We Need Brick & Mortar Magic Stores

Brick & mortar magic stores offer something that online shops simply cannot: a tangible, interactive experience. Watching a trick performed live allows you to see the nuances and subtleties that are often lost in video demonstrations. You can’t hide behind edits or special effects in a live performance, which means you get a true sense of the trick’s impact.

Moreover, these stores foster a sense of community. They are places where magicians of all levels can gather, share ideas, and learn from each other. Losing these spaces means losing a vital part of our magic culture.


The Future of Magic Retail

Looking ahead, there’s a concerning possibility that distributors might establish their own locations solely for selling and mailing out orders. This could further diminish the role of home-based sellers and lead to the complete disappearance of basement magic stores. The convenience of online shopping might come at the cost of losing the personal touch and community spirit that brick & mortar stores provide.


While the convenience of online shopping is undeniable, it’s important to recognize the impact it has on our local magic stores. By supporting brick & mortar shops, we ensure that future generations of magicians have a place to learn, grow, and be inspired. So next time you’re tempted to buy a trick online, consider visiting your local magic store instead. You might just find that the experience is worth the extra effort.


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