Muggles welcome: The world of Harry Potter finds its way to New York
By Nora Quintanilla
New York, May 31 (EFE).- Choosing a wand, buying a Hogwarts uniform, admiring the golden snitch or sipping on a butterbeer: Potterheads will almost forget they are in New York when they enter a piece of Harry Potter’s wizarding world opening doors Thursday in Manhattan.
The largest Harry Potter store in the world will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the popular world of witchcraft and wizardry as soon as they step inside, welcomed by a giant figure of the phoenix Fawkes, its wings stretched over a room full of merchandise.
The store’s two storeys and a total 1,800 square meters will hide many “treasures” taken straight out of the movies, according to Warner Bros vice-president of international retail Karl Durrant.
“In the store, you will find 12 authentic props from the films. You’ll find Harry Potter, Hermione, Ron and Dumbledore’s original wands, the golden snitch is here, the golden egg, Harry Potter’s broomstick and many others,” he said.
Those who find all the props placed around the store and scan the QR codes attached to them will be able to redeem a free gift, according to Durrant.
The store’s many stations are structured around a spiral staircase modelled after the Griffin stairwell that guards Hogwarts’ headmaster office.
A wand shop will allow visitors to choose their own, or be chosen by a wand as tradition goes in Olivander’s Diagon Alley boutique.
Sweet treats crowd the shelves of the Honeydukes corner, decorated with a massive chocolate frog that wakes the appetite for Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans or Fudge Flies that Harry Potter and his friends feasted on in the Hogwarts Express.
Many will look forward to the Butterbeer bar for a cold pint of frothy butterbeer, or even bottled and ice cream versions of the popular drink.
