Harry Potter and his world of wizardry are coming to Chicago. The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Harry Potter Shop will open on North Michigan Avenue on April 10, 2025, bringing exclusive merchandise, props and even a Butterbeer Bar to locals and tourists alike.
While Chicago will be just the second flagship store (joining the initial Manhattan location), the Harry Potter retailtainment universe is steadily growing: In addition to the core Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, which includes various magical stores, there are localized Wizarding Worlds in Japan, Beijing and Hollywood.
“With the incredible success of the New York flagship store, bringing the Harry Potter world to life on Michigan Avenue was an absolute must,” said Karl Durrant, SVP of Warner Bros. Discovery Retail Experiences in a statement. “From the shop’s design to exclusive merchandise and a speakeasy-inspired Butterbeer Bar, Harry Potter Shop Chicago is infused with nods to the city’s rich history and unique culture, giving fans a one-of-a-kind experience and unforgettable connection to the wizarding world.”
A Vibrant World of Retail Design and Services
Nestled below the Omni Hotel, the new Harry Potter store will have an elegant exterior designed to pay homage to Chicago’s “bold architectural spirit,” according to a company statement. However, once customers venture into the store’s four walls, they will be immersed in the fantastical world.
A mermaid-stained glass window is inspired by the window in the Prefects’ bathroom at Hogwarts, and the Golden Egg will visually transport fans into scenes from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Suspended broomsticks are a nod to that book’s dragon challenge, while a maze-patterned floor leads shoppers to the register area, symbolizing the completion of the shopping journey. Harry Potter fans will also undoubtedly “geek out” over The Goblet of Fire itself, which serves as a powerful visual focal point.
Another of the store’s experiential differentiators is that it’s home to the U.S.’ second House of MinaLima, which is the graphic design studio behind the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast films. This area will spotlight unique visual storytelling and a Chicago-exclusive print from one of the designers.
However, the Harry Potter Store experience is only as good as the added services and entertainment that truly brings the characters and plot points to life. At the heart of the store is the largest Butterbeer Bar in the U.S., where guests can sip on the iconic Butterbeer and indulge in exclusive Chicago-themed Butterscotch Popcorn. They also can stop at the confectionary to pick up Chocolate Frogs, Honeydukes and other treats enjoyed by the film’s characters.
Shoppers can browse a vast selection of unique keepsakes and collectibles as well as wands and robes (which they can also have personalized), and merch associated with their chosen House: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. They can even take home a piece of Chicago-exclusive merchandise, such as a tote bag, mug or cap to commemorate their Windy City trip.
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