Joke Shop — Attraction in Waukesha

We went to the Joke Shop to check out juggling materials. There really wasn't anything beyond very basic beginner items. Signs everywhere said don't touch, or talked about shoplifting. Items were in opaque drawers that said something like "noses - staff only." Posters of traveling magicians were around the store, often signed or personalized to what appeared to be the owner. Remnants of a balloon twisting session, and a trading card game were left out. A guitar was out, perhaps a jam session or in preparation for the Friday Night block party held there in the summer. Overall, the store appeared to perhaps had closed in 1980, and opened for the first time yesterday, even though we know that isn't the case. As we walked by half an hour later, two young kids and their mom emerged giggling with hand buzzers they purchased - a great classic, but hardly enough to keep the store open.

I would love to support this kind of business. But it has to separate itself from the antique ("resale") shops nearby full of old junk, and online Amazon's cheap, fast, but very sterile style that doesn't care what you're looking at, as long as you buy.

There were tons of VHS and DVD on display and sale. Put them to work! They likely may never sell, so have them playing in store. Clean up everything and remove the dust. Touch every item in inventory at least once a month. Make it visible to customers. Find a way to protect your inventory, but still let customers see and touch the products. Create a theme or featured area and put it all out there - a particular magician, small table toys and games, stocking stuffers, juggling, Yu-Gi-Oh or whatever card game you were playing, just things to engage and get customers to return. When you're open, maybe something that spills out onto the sidewalk like the silk flaming kettles, or some kind of magician, juggler, costuming prop on the sidewalk asking passers by to "come in!"

This was maybe our 4th visit? The first time the store had been open. The hours are short, and we found it often closed for other reasons even during those hours. The hours are different from other similar businesses...

I love this place. Reading though these reviews you can tell other do too. It is a fun and interactive place and the shop goes out of their way to make sure you walk away happy.

I have no idea why someone would leave a negative review such as "so dum" without giving a valid reason. I can only assume that not only did they prove they can't spell "dumb" correctly but they proved they don't know how to review something properly. If they did not like them traditionally one gives a reason why.

Example here are some of the reasons I like the place:

Easy to find (right in the middle of Main Street)

2.Friendly staff (they often show magic and have been known to give away balloon creatures without charge to customers.

They care about the community (they have a kid's magic club that not only learns magic but does free shows during the summer).

They recommend performers for private events (unlike another magic shop) they refer people to the performers and do not ask for a commission or booking fees for this service.

They have a complete supply of magic, balloons, comedy props, practical jokes/ novelties, wigs and make-up.

They have a place where fellow performers can meet up, sit down and talk about different aspects of performing and customers can often get to meet and interact with these performer.

They are family friendly... this means you don't have to worry about bringing in your kids as there is no "adult" (dirty) novelties to avoid there.

They will custom order and on occasion build or create something special that you were looking to purchase.

I have been going there for the last 34 years and while it changed ownership once (recently), the spirit of the shop is much alive with the new owner. So if you have not checked it out it is a must stop...

I'm a past student of the 1st owner DON LAMB my 8th grd science teacher. He was GREAT teacher and magic show when kids did not want to listen to class. I was at his shop sometimes when I was young, lots of fun I was a clown myself. I'm in town this sunday 12/3 looking forward to stop in or at least try my heart is HaPpY tO cOmE. LoVe that mr lamb as a good person, Thank you Pat...