First look inside Harry Potter New York: ‘Magical’ shopping experience due to open on June 3, with features that include an interactive wand table and virtual reality experiences
- Harry Potter New York will open in the heart of the city next to the iconic Flatiron building on Broadway
- The store will house the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof
- There will be 15 themed areas and two virtual reality experiences that visitors can take part in
Harry Potter fans will be able to visit the official Harry Potter flagship store in the heart of New York City next to the iconic Flatiron building on Broadway from June 3 – and first-look images show what a treat they’re in for.
Harry Potter New York will ‘set a new standard for themed retail, combining breath-taking design, exquisite craftsmanship, hand-crafted props, exciting interactive elements and exclusive products – inviting fans to experience the Wizarding World in a brand-new way’.
Spanning three floors and over 21,000 sq ft, the store will house the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof.
Inside the official Harry Potter flagship store in the heart of New York City, which will open next to the iconic Flatiron building on Broadway on June 3
On entering the store, customers will pass under a huge model of Fawkes the Phoenix gazing down from the ceiling, pictured
Harry Potter New York features 15 different themed areas, each one ‘carefully and uniquely presented to bring the magic of the Wizarding World to life’.
A statement for the launch of the store says: ‘Entering the store, customers will pass under a huge model of Fawkes the Phoenix gazing down from the ceiling.
‘Fawkes was created especially for Harry Potter New York by a team of specialist propmakers over a number of months. The impressive model weighs over 220lbs and is just one of many painstakingly detailed, handmade props, each one created to surprise and delight customers as they explore.
‘Stepping inside Harry Potter New York, witches, wizards and Muggles will encounter a number of exciting experiences. Fans are invited to strike their best pose at one of many photo opportunities, including posing inside a London phone box for a photo as if transporting themselves into the Ministry of Magic, or even seeing themselves as if they were inside Hagrid’s boots!
‘For those who have always dreamed of bringing their favorite Harry Potter character to life, the interactive wand table lets them pick up a wand and put it to the test.
Spanning three floors and over 21,000 sq ft, the store will house the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof
A statement for the store opening says: ‘For those who have always dreamed of bringing their favorite Harry Potter character to life, the interactive wand table lets them pick up a wand and put it to the test’
‘Harry Potter New York will incorporate digital technologies throughout the store including integration with the Harry Potter Fan Club app.
‘Users will find a number of Enchanted Keys throughout the store that unlock exclusive behind-the-scenes facts, figures, and videos that bring the store to life.’
Also available in the store will be ‘two exciting and 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’.
Within the walls of Harry Potter New York, MinaLima – the graphic design duo on all Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movie – will create a gallery and store showcasing the graphic art of the Wizarding World
The statement adds: ‘Chaos at Hogwarts lets hopeful witches and wizards step into a magical journey to Hogwarts Castle and become part of the adventure where magical creatures and secrets await.
‘Fans will need their wands at the ready as Wizards Take Flight prepares guests to fly on brooms with the thrills of a magical wand battle against Death Eaters over the skies of London and around the enchanting grounds of Hogwarts Castle.
‘The Chaos At Hogwarts and Wizards Take Flight virtual reality experiences are scheduled to open in-store this summer with more details to be revealed soon.’
When it comes to buying gifts, the store says its personalization area ‘offers a huge amount of inspiration and unique products’.
The statement explains: ‘Fans can bring their fandom to life and choose from a host of personalization options, including engraving a wand, embossing a journal or embroidering a House robe with their name.
The statement says: ‘Fans will discover prints of the Daily Prophet covers, Harry’s Hogwarts acceptance letter and the Quibbler, all hand-designed by MinaLima in a space modeled after their iconic London shop’
‘Aspiring witches and wizards will be able to browse for Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans in an area inspired by the whimsical surroundings of Honeydukes.
‘Once they have taken a look at the goodies on offer, they can stop under the Dirigible Plumtree, a special area where they can find their favorite magical creature soft toy.
‘Usually found guarding the entrance to Dumbledore’s office, every aspiring Hogwarts student will recognize the majestic Griffin rotating in the store’s grand main atrium.
‘From here, fans will be invited into the Wand Shop to browse over 50 wands inspired by characters, locations and props from the Wizarding World, including the Golden Snitch wand, exclusive to Harry Potter New York.
‘In addition, the store will be home to America’s only House of MinaLima. Within the walls of Harry Potter New York, MinaLima, the graphic design duo on all Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies, will create a gallery and store showcasing the graphic art of the Wizarding World.
‘Fans will discover prints of the Daily Prophet covers, Harry’s Hogwarts acceptance letter and the Quibbler, all hand-designed by MinaLima in a space modeled after their iconic London shop.
The exterior of the new flagship Harry Potter store in New York, which can be found at 935 Broadway
‘Alongside the main collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products, fans will be able to choose from a range of brand collaborations including Spirit Jerseys, Loungefly handbags and many other fan-favorite ranges including Pottery Barn Teen.’
Sarah Roots, EVP Warner Bros Worldwide Tours and Retail, says: ‘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.
‘With over 1,000 Wizarding World props on display (including some authentic items that 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.’
While the store has the finishing touches added at 935 Broadway, a hand-selected range of products is available to purchase from the Harry Potter Shop at www.harrypottershop.com.
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