NO MEAN TRICK
Daytona Magic finds secret for success
by Aaron London
It ’ s not sleight of hand that kept Harry Allen in business for more than a half century .
While magicians are known for keeping secrets , Allen , owner of Daytona Magic , said building a business that lasts is no trick , just dedication .
“ Very simple , it ’ s hard work ,” he said . “ We ’ re very dedicated people .”
The business has been a Daytona Beach fixture since 1976 , but the shop ’ s history goes back even further , first opening in 1966 in
New Jersey before a move to Philadelphia and then Florida in 1976 . Allen said the shop ’ s first location in the Sunshine State was at the Bellair Plaza before eventually settling in at 136 S . Beach St . Allen ’ s journey to success began at an early age . “ I was 9-years-old when I first walked behind the counter , literally ,” he said . Allen ’ s father owned a furniture store in the same mall as a magic shop and for a young boy , the allure of prestidigitation was stronger than that of home furnishing .
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