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The Cardfather Veteran user Long Beach, CA 347 Posts |
If looking for the closest thing to the Joe Berg experience check out Riot Magic (Formerly Presto Magic) in Long Beach, CA. The owner's inspiration came from his frequent visits to Berg's shop. Been in business for years till the city made an offer to purchase his building he couldn't refuse. Reopened a few miles away near Long Beach City College on Viking Way now called Riot Magic. Most items original 70's stock, lot's of vintage items. He's in his late seventies and hasn't been well lately, not sure how much longer he'll keep it open. Hope you get a chance to visit.
Rick |
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magicmanfrank Inner circle 1127 Posts |
Hmmm.....never knew about that one. I'll have to try and get there soon!
=Frank=
The Early Bird may get the Worm, but it's the SECOND Mouse that gets the CHEESE!!!
Frank Thurston www.FrankThurstonMagic.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Magic-of-Frank-Thurston/116625117910?ref=nf |
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bcookmagic Elite user seattle wa 472 Posts |
Ahhh Prestos shop. I have some great memories in there.
If your not having fun doing what your doing....dont do it!
WWW.BRIANCOOKMAGIC.COM |
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MickeyPainless Inner circle California 6065 Posts |
My youngest attends CSULB so now I have more incentive to brave the LA Freeways to visit him (after I check ou Riot Magic)!
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padre rich Special user 635 Posts |
Just talked to Fred(Presto). He feeling better. I worked at his shop when I was in college. He's a dear friend and I hope all of you get a chance his shop.
God's grace rocks! It makes a good cups and balls routine look pretty boring in comparison.
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rjthomp Regular user Pasadena 199 Posts |
I don't want to dispute what other people's experience has been, but I'd like to state for the record, that my experiences with the studio city magic shop have been absolutely great--The best magic shop I've ever been too, and I've been to a lot.
THough it doesn't have the history that Hollywood magic had, or the great location... -Rob |
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dmkraig Inner circle 1949 Posts |
I eventually worked for Chuck Martinez in San Diego. I learned a lot about selling magic by just standing around at Hollywood Magic. There was an older guy--and for some reason I always forget his name--who spent most of his time selling just a few lower-priced items. A mother or father would bring in a wide-eyed boy and ask to see a trick his son could do for under $5. This guy would show trick after trick, complimenting both the boy and the parent. When they left, it was common for that "under $5" purchase to have been converted to $50 or more. And he did this over and over.
I was a wide-eyed kid when I was honored to go into the back room at Joe Berg's. I remember getting some special tricks that I never saw anywhere else...a diminishing deck with all sorts of clips to hold stuff. A head cremation that had been used on the original "Lost in Space" TV show (I eventually saw the episode where they used it." A couple of times, I purchased so much that I couldn't carry it home on the bus. Ronnie gave me a ride home. Eventually, Ronnie changed to selling Indian jewelry at the Fairfax High School swap meet. That was also a disappointment for me. Somehow, I inwardly knew that he had his father's stuff stored away, waiting for a kid like me to honor and use. I imagine it's all be sold off, if such a storeroom ever existed. |
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markmiller Special user 731 Posts |
The older guy you are talking about was Irv.
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KirkG Inner circle 1391 Posts |
Ive was an icon and a fixture. What a lesson, if only I had been alert enough to notice.
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WolfgangWollet Loyal user 209 Posts |
I had the pleasure of dealing with Greg and Louie for some years as a supplier. I would pull up at the back loding gate at Hollywood with a full van and we would do business with a handshake. The fun for me was twofold, not only did we do brisk business but I also got to take a close look at the treasures in the different stockrooms. They had items stored away that were not made in years and were now highly collectible.
I wish everybody actually involved in the matter the best and while it seems like a longshot at this point I would love for this icon to re-open. |
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The great Gumbini Inner circle 3062 Posts |
I met Jules Lenier at Hollywood Magic in Costa Mesa. Meeting him was by far the most treasured memory I have of Hollywood Magic. I would visit him every time I went down to the beach. I saw him also a couple of times at Hollywood Magic in Hollywood. I'm very sorry to hear about Hollywood Magic and I hope it gets cleared up. I too have placed down a good share of hard earned money in both places. I have most of the effects that I purchased from them over the years and for some reason they just became more special to me.
But I just have to say once again---nothing compares to when I met and then got to know Jules Lenier. He was such a gem, and man he kept me laughing. I miss him and now I will miss Hollywood Magic. Good magic to all, Eric |
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Canadian Guy Regular user California 149 Posts |
Let's all shed a tear. HM will not be opening any time soon
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Josh Chaikin Inner circle Kansas City 1430 Posts |
I was only there once, but my experience there was like what you read about from all the magic shops of yesteryear. Extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff. A sad loss indeed. |
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Bato William Regular user All I've managed to write is 160 Posts |
I just passed the shop last night; still locked up. Hollywood Toy Store, which is next door, has opened up a counter selling magic tricks and a few Tarbell volumes. They also have a vertical sign that says 'Magic' outside their store that resembles the Hollywood Magic sign.
So it looks like Big Apple Magic is the only brick and mortar magic shop left in Los Angeles. Bato William
You're nothing but a pack of cards! - Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson)
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bcookmagic Elite user seattle wa 472 Posts |
Bummer as I am going to be down there next week...oh well.
If your not having fun doing what your doing....dont do it!
WWW.BRIANCOOKMAGIC.COM |
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rnaviaux Loyal user 287 Posts |
Bummer is they aren't going to reopen. But then of course that kind of opens the door for a magic shop to cater to the tourist population in Hollywood. Seems like a no brainer for someone else to open up a shop or move there. Hint, hint...studio city.
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bcookmagic Elite user seattle wa 472 Posts |
Yup big bummer but I think I will try to swing by Magic Apple as I have never been.
If your not having fun doing what your doing....dont do it!
WWW.BRIANCOOKMAGIC.COM |
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lebowski Veteran user 377 Posts |
Let us know what you think of the Apple.
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PaxMentis Loyal user Long Beach, CA 239 Posts |
Yesterday, I drove through Hollywood and passed the store where Hollywood Magic had their business. Still closed. However, a store two doors down decided to capitalize on their closure. Decided to stop, but had to park in a Red Zone which limited my time inside. Spent a few minutes talking to the owner. They have been in business 59 years selling costumes, face masks etc. They have now opened a section for magic. They employed a woman named Lisa from the Magic Castle to demonstrate. The owner said they are expanding their line of magic almost daily and as the business continues to grow, they will keep expanding. The store is hugh, much larger than Hollywood Magic. The owner said if we don't have it, we'll order it. They even have a Layaway Plan available and will ship anywhere in the world. Sounds and looks like their on the right path for success. Here's additional information if you're interested.
Hollywood Toys & Costumes 6600 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, CA 90028 http://www.hollywoodtoys.com (323) 464-4444 (800554-3444
Do not go where the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
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bcookmagic Elite user seattle wa 472 Posts |
I am going to go to Magic Apple today and will let everyone know how it goes.
If your not having fun doing what your doing....dont do it!
WWW.BRIANCOOKMAGIC.COM |
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