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House of Humor in Redwood City is closing its doors after serving the community for nearly 40 years.
The novelty store, which is located on El Camino Real between Brewster and Broadway, sells costumes, wigs, magic, and prank items. Jack Greenbaum opened the store in the early 80s as a magic shop, but it shifted to costumes and novelties as those items became more popular.
Owner Mark Greenbaum, Jack Greenbaum’s son, said he lost his lease to the building after negotiations with the landlord failed. Greenbaum said he doesn’t want to stop running the business and is looking for a new location nearby or in San Francisco.
He said since he posted the news on Facebook, he has received dozens of comments and support from the community.
“It is amazing of all the people who reached out and recalled the different generations of people rummaging through the store,” Greenbaum said. “We have had some complications since COVID-19 with the landlord, and he isn’t willing to negotiate with us, so we weren’t able to come to terms.”
The store is selling its inventory for 50% off until it closes on Feb. 28. Greenbaum said he is looking for a new place to rent in Redwood City, San Mateo County, or San Francisco. Still, if he can’t find anything, he said he will set up a temporary store during the holiday season.
Redwood City Council member Chris Sturken said it saddens him that another retail business is being lost, and it will be hard to replace House of Humor because it has been part of the community’s fabric for decades.
Mark Greenbaum said he knows the community and the different generations of residents in the area that come into the store. He said it’s a fun business with timeless jokes. He pointed to a Whoopie cushion.
“What made people laugh years ago still makes them laugh. Fart jokes are as old as time,” he said. “It’s been fun. People come in here in a good mood, and it’s one of the only places I can think of where you can joke around all day long, and you are working.”
