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Harry Potter has officially landed on the Magnificent Mile. The long-awaited Harry Potter Shop opened its doors at 676 N. Michigan Avenue, marking the third standalone store of its kind in the world and only the second in the United States. With locations already in London and New York, the Chicago shop brings a new level of immersive retail to the Midwest—complete with Butterbeer, exclusive merchandise, and theatrical design inspired by Goblet of Fire.
Credit: Harry Potter Shop
Fans lined up along Michigan Avenue for opening day, many dressed in house robes and Hogwarts scarves, eager to step inside a space built as much for exploration as for shopping. Rather than offering just racks of merchandise, the shop unfolds across themed rooms that mirror familiar locations from the Wizarding World. Near the entrance, a stained-glass mermaid from the Prefects’ Bathroom flickers to life. Further in, visitors navigate a maze-like floor reminiscent of the Triwizard Tournament.
The experience includes a Room of Wands, a Honeydukes-style sweets section, and a dedicated display for MinaLima artwork—including an exclusive design made just for Chicago. The centerpiece, however, may be the Butterbeer Bar. Styled with nods to Chicago’s speakeasy culture, the bar serves chilled Butterbeer, Butterbeer ice cream, and a special Chicago-only butterscotch popcorn. Fans can also personalize Hogwarts letters, engrave wands, or have their house robes embroidered on-site.
No Room for Hogwarts in Universal’s UK Plans
Just days before the shop’s grand opening, it was reported that Universal’s upcoming UK theme park, set to open in 2031, will not feature any Harry Potter attractions. The decision stands in contrast to Universal’s U.S. parks, where Wizarding World lands are central draws in both Orlando and Hollywood.
Credit: Universal Studios Japan
The omission is likely tied to licensing restrictions and geography. Warner Bros., which owns the rights to the Harry Potter films, operates its own major attraction—the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden—just 40 minutes from the new park’s Bedfordshire location. Introducing a rival Wizarding World experience so close by would almost certainly spark conflict and overlap with existing agreements.
Instead, Universal is focusing the UK resort on a different set of franchises. Confirmed and rumored properties include James Bond, Paddington, Back to the Future, and The Lord of the Rings—all widely known, globally marketable brands that align with Universal’s portfolio and British cultural ties. The decision reflects a strategic pivot designed to distinguish the new park from Warner Bros.’ established offering.
Different Directions, Same Legacy
For fans, the new developments offer two very different experiences of the same universe. Chicago’s Harry Potter Shop is intimate, atmospheric, and richly themed—a curated environment that brings key pieces of the franchise to life on a smaller scale. Meanwhile, Universal’s next theme park venture charts a new course, one that sidelines Hogwarts in favor of other major names.
Credit: Harry Potter Shop
What that means for the future of the franchise’s theme park presence isn’t yet clear. But for now, anyone seeking a bit of wizarding magic—complete with Butterbeer and personalized Hogwarts letters—can find it right in the heart of downtown Chicago.
What’s your favorite Harry Potter destination?
