Magic tricks lure curious to shop
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Paul and Linda Eubanks, owners of The Magic Shack, hold magic classes, host birthday partys and sell magic supplies from their Washington Road location in Martinez.
The element of surprise and pulling one over on a friend is what lures some people to magic. It's also what has kept one local shop in business for the past four years.
Michael Wolff happened to travel by The Magic Shack one day nearly two years ago as he was driving through La Petite Plaza on Washington Road.
"It just piqued my interest," said Wolff, who has become a customer of the magic store, as well as a valued friend of the business' owners. "It brought back a lot of memories from when I was younger."
Linda Eubanks never imagined owning a magic store. But, when her son-in-law suggested they start a magic shop nearly four years ago, she agreed. Today, Eubanks and her husband, Paul, are the sole owners of the business, currently located in La Petite Plaza.
"When my son-in-law left the business I thought, 'Now, what am I going to do with a magic store," said Linda Eubanks. "I know nothing about magic."
A move from Broad Street in downtown Augusta two years ago gave the couple an opportunity to redecorate their business and give the shop a new look.
"I like the look," Linda Eubanks said. "I think it's good for us."
She said running the only magic shop in the area gives her the opportunity to meet a lot of people.
"It's a fun business and we've met a lot of people doing this," she said. "We are hoping this can become a retirement business for us because it's not strenuous work. It's something we want to pass on to our children."
Paul Eubanks, owner of The Magic Shack, demonstrates a magic trick at his store on Washington Road.
The Magic Shack sells all kinds of tricks and offers the services of magicians and clowns for birthday parties, business functions and private affairs.
"We have a couple of magicians in the area that we use who like to go out and do parties," she said. Her store is open from 1-7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 1-7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
But it's not the magicians that bring Ken Moore of Martinez back to the store.
"I come by just to buy some tricks," said Moore, who has been a customer since the business was located downtown. "Oh yeah, I definitely tell other people about it."
Wolff said it's the reminiscing of his youth that brings him back to the store along with the friends he's found in the Eubanks.
"It has been a positive experience ever since I stumbled across their shop," said Wolff. "Linda and Paul are so nice. They'll pull out tricks and show them to you. It's just fun."