It’s open! The world’s first Harry Potter flagship store opened its doors in New York City. The three-level commercial establishment is housed in the Flatiron Building on Fight Avenue in Manhattan.
The store is expected to become one of the city’s most visited landmarks, especially by Harry Potter aficionados. But, before people include a shopping spree at the magical shop, here are a few things they should know about it.
The Welcome Is Grandiose
When visitors use the main entrance on Fifth Avenue, they are immediately greeted by a 220-pound Fawkes that hovers from the ceiling. They will also be given a map that they can use to join a store-wide scavenger hunt.
There are nine enchanted keys dispersed throughout the store, some of which are placed in close proximity to 12 authentic movie props, including Tom Riddle’s diary, the Basilisk fang, Marvolo Gaunt’s ring, and the Elder Wand. Each key must be scanned via the Harry Potter Fan Club app to reveal its secrets — behind-the-scenes videos and fun facts about the props.
Once all nine keys have been found, each treasure hunter receives a secret password, which they can tell the store’s cashier to get a free pin.
The Harry Potter Store Is Truly Magical
As shoppers walk further into the store, they will stumble upon a series of digital windows that showcase a magical forest, as well as shelves piled high with wand boxes. Next comes the interactive wand table where visitors can try out the wands of their favorite Harry Potter characters. They can also challenge one another to magical duels.
In the Toys & Games Section, children and adults can find magical creatures such as Dobby, Aragog, or Hedwig. On the same level, shoppers can pose for photos inside an authentic London telephone box, as well as in Hagrid’s giant shoes.
Visitors can stock up on different treats, including Peppermint Toads, Fizzing Whizzbees, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, and non-alcoholic bottled butterbeer. But, the most popular sweet is undoubtedly the Chocolate Frog Souvenir Tin, which features a milk chocolate frog and five holographic wizard cards.
In the center of the store, shoppers can marvel at a giant Griffin modeled after the one that guards Dumbledore’s office, rotating above a spiral staircase. At the bottom of the stairs, visitors can see Lord Voldemort’s snake, Nagini, whispering in Parseltongue.
To make the experience even more memorable, shoppers will have the chance to personalize their own Hogwarts acceptance letter, school trunk, journal, and robe. The Harry Potter store has plenty to offer to its visitors and is surely a must-visit site in the Big Apple.