Singer Kelly Clarkson's Store Incident Sparks Debate on Small Business Support
An opinion piece defends a Brooklyn magic shop against negative press following a reported encounter with the pop star.
Recent reports have detailed an incident involving singer Kelly Clarkson at a small Brooklyn Heights shop called Art of Play, leading to critical coverage of the establishment. An opinion piece in The New York Post defends the shop, highlighting the challenges faced by small, independent businesses in the current economic climate.
The author recounts a visit to Art of Play, a magic shop on Atlantic Avenue known for its collectible items and occasional performances by card magicians. The piece notes that Clarkson reportedly desired a non-sale item, a "singing bird" that was permanently affixed to a wall and not intended for purchase. The shop owners reportedly declined her request, leading to a reported "meltdown" by the singer.
According to the author, the shop, which is described as "tinier than my closet" and "wall-to-wall filled with purchaseable trinkets," is a marvel of industry given the "fiscal restraints and wormy little tax-happy mayor" and the trend of people moving out of the city. The piece argues that such small brick-and-mortar stores "should be celebrated, patronized — not vilified."
The author draws a parallel to a past encounter with celebrity Goldie Hawn, mistaking her for the model Twiggy, to illustrate how public perception and interactions can be misleading. The piece concludes by praising the Art of Play for its unique offerings, including international magic specialists who perform for small, intimate audiences in a back room, and reaffirms the author's intention to return to the shop.