We were sad to learn that Eddie’s Trick Shop, a long-time NCA member located in Marietta, Georgia, is closing.
“Things just haven’t been the same since Covid,” says Kathy Beavers, who runs the store with her brother, Frank McKinnon. “Another problem was the internet – people would come in and look at things and then order them for cheaper on the internet and get free shipping. Last year was the worst year we ever had.”
Beavers says her brother has worked at the store since their father, Bob McKinnon, purchased it 47 years ago, and she joined the business about five years later. She and her brother will probably retire once they close up shop, which probably will happen in about two weeks, though no firm closing date has been set. No one has rented the space yet, as far as she knows.
Eddie’s Trick Shop – which was the name of the business when Bob McKinnon bought it – was well known among NCA members as a place where other members could buy items at near wholesale cost, because Eddie’s was willing to break down manufacturers’ cases and sell individual pieces. Beavers confirmed that that part of the business is also closing.
The store now is selling its inventory at a large discount. Mascots are marked down to $100 to $200, high-end rental costumes are $100, and everything else is 60 percent off.
Customers have been a little scarce in recent years, but the sale has brought in crowds, Beavers reports. “They say that we’re a staple on the square in Marietta,” she says.
In a news report on the closing, a customer is quoted as saying, “I remember coming into Eddie’s and people being very nice and just willing to show you whatever and spend two hours with you to teach you stuff, even if you didn’t buy anything. It’s such a great place. It’s like losing an old friend.” (Click here to watch that entire news report)
The NCA wishes Frank and Kathy the best in their retirement!