Have you ever dreamt about flying to Japan to go to the Wizarding World in Osaka? Unfortunately, Covid-19 has put those plans down the drain for many Potterheads. Well, New York has the next best thing coming. It will soon be home to the largest Harry Potter store in the world. While you can’t exactly swig a butterbeer or walk the corridors of Hogwarts castle, the store will span 3 floors and will be over 20,000 square feet of HP goodies.
Warner Bros announced the opening of the flagship store for the summer of 2020 but was put on hold due to the pandemic. The official opening date has been announced for June 3, 2021.
The store will hold the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise under one roof. "This will be the largest dedicated Harry Potter store in the world and will become a must-visit fan destination where Harry Potter enthusiasts can engage with interactive experiences and numerous photo opportunities as they step into the magic," said Sarah Roots, EVP of Worldwide Tours and Retail at Warner Bros.
You can visit the store at 935 Broadway Street. It will hold everything from personalized robes and journals, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans to a new range of wands designed exclusively for the New York location. The space will also provide fans with a number of exciting experiences that evoke the magic of the Wizarding World. There will be 15 different themed areas all celebrating a different facet of the wizarding world.
Upon entering Harry Potter New York, guests will be greeted by a huge floating model of Fawkes the Phoenix, created specifically for this new store. It weighs over 220lbs (100kgs) and is just one of many meticulously handmade props you can expect to see. You can strike a pose inside a London phone box or step into Hagrid’s boots. Explore the area inspired by Honeydukes to stock up on your chocolate frogs and other sweet treats. Discover the House of MinaLima which showcases a gallery of graphic arts from the Wizarding World -- fans will find prints of the Daily Prophet covers, the Quibbler, and even Harry Potter’s acceptance letter. Store patrons can pick up a wand and put it to the test at the wand table. The store also works with the Harry Potter Fan Club app, which incorporates digital technologies throughout the space. Users can find Enchanted Keys throughout the store to unlock behind-the-scenes facts, figures, and videos that bring the store to life.
Fans will be treated to two immersive multiplayer virtual reality experiences. The full sensory VR adventures are location-based, allowing real-time interactive exploration of the Wizarding World as never before. Chaos at Hogwarts lets users step into Hogwarts Castle and become part of the adventure -- meeting magical creatures and unlocking secrets along the way. Wizards Take Flight lets guests fly on brooms and experience a magical wand battle against Death Eaters over the skies of London and around the grounds of Hogwarts Castle.
"The level of artistic detail and quality of the design inspired by the movies means Harry Potter New York will bring a completely new shopping experience to the city,' said Roots 'With over 1,000 Wizarding World props on display (including some authentic items which featured in the movies), the incredible theming, along with experiences such as photo opportunities and the fantastic range of products, there will be something special for every fan."
It's been more than two decades since the books were first published. A young Harry Potter was introduced to the world of magic and wizardry as he was whisked off to Platform 9 3/4s at King’s Cross Station. Today, the magic of J.K. Rowling's books continues to inspire generations of fans. In the years since it was first published, there have been seven best-selling books, 8 blockbuster movies, an award-winning stage play, and more recently, the start of the five-film Fantastic Beast series.
For today's growing worldwide community of fans, the Wizarding World welcomes everyone to explore more of this magical universe. Harry Potter New York will be part of an expanding portfolio of Warner Bros - owned Wizarding World experiences that include Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Platform 9 ¾ retail shops.
The store will floor all CDC guidelines opening at reduced capacity so physical distancing can be maintained. Customers will be required to wear a face-covering when they visit. A virtual queuing system will be in place on opening day. Customers can visit the store, scan the QR code to join the queue, and be notified when they are allowed to enter.