All American Magic Shop is one of the biggest magic shops in America. After over 10 years at Lloyd Center, the business recently reopened at Pioneer Place in downtown Portland and at Salem Center in Salem.
The magic shop teaches customers how to perform the magic tricks that it sells, just like going to a guitar store and getting a book of music along with a lesson book. Lessons are included with every purchase. “I tell people that we serve any customer from 3-year-olds to 103-year-old,” Mark, the owner, shared. “I had someone visit the shop last week who was 103. She decided that it was time to learn some magic.”
If you could go back to the beginning, what would you have done differently?
Mark: I would have set it up so it could be franchised. I think other cities could use a shop like this. Magic teaches kids confidence, creativity, coordination and best of all, gets them off of electronics. I think that there should be a magic shop like this in every city.
What is your favorite part about owning a small business?
Mark: I like the feeling of make or break. If I make a bad decision, like ordering the wrong merchandise, it is on me. I like the idea that I have to make it work.
What role does Portland play in your business?
Mark: Portland has two active magic clubs – the society of American Magicians #59 and the Portland Society of Magicians, which is the oldest magic club in Portland. They are very supportive of my shop. The people of Portland have given us a lot of support for the last 15 years.
What has been your biggest success to date?
Mark: I think my biggest success was moving to Pioneer Place in Portland and Salem Center in Salem against the impossible odds of the closing of the Lloyd Center.
I am also lucky because I am the magician for the Portland Trailblazers.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Mark: The move from Lloyd Center almost killed us. We had to get the stage to the second floor of our new shop in Salem. Eight guys had to take pieces of it up the escalator. We were finally able to set up. We hope to hold our first magic show in the new location soon.
What's your best advice for someone who wants to start their own small business?
Mark: I think that anyone can run a small business if you believe in your business. You cannot fake sincerity. If you believe in what you are doing in the same way that I believe in magic, you can succeed. You have to love it and want it. It isn’t easy.
