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After 138 years, the world’s oldest joke shop has closed in Glasgow

Tam Shepherds Trick Shop has been forced to shut – but it will continue trading online

Amy Houghton
Written by
Amy Houghton
Contributing writer
Tam Shepherds Trick Shop frontage Glasgow
Photograph: Tam Shepherds
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For Glasgow pranksters, jokesters and illusionists, November 9, 2024 marked a sad, sad day. Tam Shepherds Trick Shop, a store that has been in the funny business for more than 130 years, shut its doors on Queen Street for good.

The joke shop is the oldest in the world, having opened in 1886. It’s been run by the same family for the past 25 years and has long been a popular haunt for many aspiring magicians, including the controversial comedian/magic man Jerry Sadowitz. 

The owners said that the closure is down to ‘high costs of being a small independent shop in the city centre’ and ‘uncertainty over the redevelopment’. The building that the shop lived in is set to be knocked down and redeveloped into student accommodation. 

In response to the news, a spokesperson from Magic Circle Scotland said: ‘Many magicians started their magical journeys by visiting the shop, purchasing props or buying instruction books on the art of magic. Some of them became lifelong customers and friends. We hope that the shop will one day return.’

It’s not goodbye completely, though. Tam Shepherds is will still run as an online shop and continue to sell whoopee cushions, stink bombs, magic wands and fake moustaches galore. 

Time Out Glasgow

While Glasgow will, of course, mourn the loss of its historic joke shop, there are still loads of other quirky things you can check out. It’s got super cool art galleries, unique bars and fabulous restaurants. Have a look at Time Out’s list of the very best stuff to get up to in the Scottish city, curated by a born and bred Glaswegian. 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.  

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