Long-time Tucson magic store closing
Reporter: Greg Gurule
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Emory Williams Jr. has pulled many a rabbit out of his hat over the years, but he doesn't know how he's going to handle the trick of saving his business. Williams Magic and Novelties on East 22nd Street may be forced to close its doors for good after nearly a quarter century in business.
Williams blamed the tight economy and the Internet for choking off customers to the point that he only gets a handful of people who come to the shop each week. Williams said he saw business drop immediately after Wall Street crumbled in 2008 and that it has never recovered. The businessman also said young prestidigitators rely on the Internet to learn and buy their magic tricks now, which has further hurt his shop.
Williams does have one trick up his sleeve that may help save the family owned operation, at least in the short run. He now operates a "magic bus" trailer rig and takes the contents of his store to magic clubs around the country. Williams said that the trailer, along with his Internet store are helping keep the doors of his brick and mortar open. Williams said it's still a struggle though and Williams Magic Shop may vanish from the Tucson landscape within a few months.
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