Devastating Fire at Vanishing Inc. Warehouse
Yesterday evening, I was shocked and saddened to learn about a devastating fire at the Vanishing Inc. Magic warehouse. The major magic supplier sent out an email to its customers detailing the aftermath of the overnight blaze. In the message, the company also promised to emerge from this disaster stronger than before.
So what happened? On 6 June, a fire engulfed the Vanishing Inc. Magic warehouse in Sacramento, California. The fire was reported at approximately 11 p.m. in the area of Folsom Boulevard and Mercantile Drive. Fortunately, no employees were present at the time because the fire started outside of the company’s usual working hours.
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| The devastating aftermath of the overnight fire. Photo Credit: Vanishing Inc. Magic. |
In their heartbreaking message, which is available to read in full on their blog, Vanishing Inc. described the destruction as total, stating:
“The warehouse sadly burned to the ground, and nothing was salvageable.”
A FOX40 News article provided more information about the fire. The article reported that firefighters took approximately 40 minutes to control the blaze. The article also noted that the absence of overhead sprinklers in the building may have contributed to the fire’s spread. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Rising From the Ashes
Despite the loss, Vanishing Inc. co-founders Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin reassured their staff and customers, emphasising their commitment to rebuilding the business:
“We have assured our entire team—47 of the absolute best humans we know of—that their jobs are safe. We told them, this morning, that we know we will rebuild better and stronger than ever before. You know how we know that? It’s because of you.”
The company has activated contingency plans, including utilising off-site storage and adjusting shipping procedures. While a temporary delay in shipping is expected, Vanishing Inc. urges customers to continue placing orders and supporting the business.
A Phoenix From the Flames
While the Vanishing Inc. fire is a recent event, the magic community has witnessed similar tragedies before. In 2017, German magic supplier Card-Shark, producers of the Phoenix brand of playing cards, experienced a devastating fire at their warehouse.
In an email to customers, founder Christian “Card-Shark” Schenk described the event:
“I was called in the middle of the night to go to my warehouse and witness the saddest vision in my life as an entrepreneur; my warehouse was engulfed in flames.”
The fire, originating from an adjacent industrial unit, consumed decks of cards, DVDs, packaging materials, and specialised machinery. This scenario sounds very similar to the events that took place in Sacramento on Thursday evening.
Despite the setback, Schenk’s email echoes the resilience demonstrated by the Vanishing Inc. team:
“Card-Shark will certainly continue!”
Today, Card-Shark is thriving and operates from a new, larger warehouse. The company remains a popular producer and supplier of high-quality playing cards, magic tricks, and props. As Christian promised at the time, the Phoenix really did rise from the ashes!
Card-Shark’s story provides a message of hope for Vanishing Inc. Magic: Even though they’re experiencing a tough time, the magic community will rally behind them just like it did for Card-Shark.
The impact of such fires extends beyond the immediate financial losses. The destruction of irreplaceable items and disruption to daily operations represent significant challenges. However, the resolute spirit of these companies, coupled with the unwavering support of the magic community, serves as a potent reminder that even in the face of adversity, the show must go on!
Support Wizards to the Rescue!
Have you ever ordered magic tricks online and received poor customer service? Vanishing Inc.’s dedicated team of Support Wizards is one aspect that sets it apart from its competitors. They employ real-life magicians who are available 24/7 to help customers with any questions or concerns.
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| Photo Credit: Vanishing Inc. Magic. |
Take me for instance. In 2016, I funded Andi Gladwin’s “The Dapper Deck” project on Kickstarter. Sadly, my decks were lost in the shuffle! Due to a house move, I only realised later that I never received them. I contacted Vanishing Inc. but didn’t hear back then, so I figured my decks were gone forever. This, unfortunately, sometimes happens with Kickstarter campaigns, especially when overseas shipping is concerned.
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| The Vanishing Inc. team in Costa Rica. From left to right: Kyle, Andi, Josh, Mark, George, Nathan. Photo Credit: Vanishing Inc. Magic. |
Fast-forward a few years, I noticed a new version of the Dapper Deck on the Vanishing Inc. website (these cards sold out a while ago, unfortunately). A flicker of hope! I contacted the Support Wizards, half-expecting nothing. But to my amazement, I was sent a whole mixed brick of Dapper Decks, plus a rare Limited Edition Dapper Deck Deluxe Box Set, completely free, even though it was seven years after the original Kickstarter campaign finished! The surprise and delight I experienced were beyond words. This wouldn’t have been possible without the excellent customer support I received from Tu and Kyle, two of the wonderful Support Wizards at Vanishing Inc. Magic.
How Can We Help?
I’ve been a loyal customer of Vanishing Inc. since the company was first established in 2008. I’ve also attended The Session Convention in the past and met Andi and Josh, who are both thoroughly lovely gentlemen. They’re not just about selling magic tricks and making money (though they have an amazing selection). The entire Vanishing Inc. team cares an awful lot about the wider magic community, as demonstrated by their charitable work with young magicians. Now, it’s our turn to support them.
Despite the destruction of their warehouse, Vanishing Inc. Magic is still open for business. The best way to show your support to Josh, Andi, and the entire Vanishing Inc. team is to place an order as you normally would (if you’re able to do so). However, it’s probably best to buy digital downloads and ebooks rather than lots of physical items to avoid making the situation more difficult for the company in the short term.
Browse All Magic Downloads at Vanishing Inc. Magic
Update
Vanishing Inc. have just announced a “fire sale” on all downloads. This includes their excellent range of ebooks, instant downloads and Masterclass recordings. Use the code FIRESALE to recieve 15% off any of these digital products.
A fire sale, indeed; it’s great to see that Vanishing Inc. hasn’t lost their sense of humour!
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