Massive Harry Potter store to open in Oxford Street

Warner Bros. has announced plans for a new Harry Potter flagship store, which will open its doors on London’s Oxford Street this autumn.

The sprawling 21,000 sq ft store, spread over two floors as part of The Ribbon development at 134-140 Oxford Street, will be the UK’s second official Harry Potter retail location, complementing the existing King’s Cross site.

Designers aim to transform the interior into a “wizard’s shop”, celebrating beloved locations from books and movies.

This “must-see” attraction for fans and visitors to the capital will offer interactive activities, photo opportunities and special merchandise.

Karl Durrant, senior vice president of worldwide retail at Warner Bros, said: “Harry Potter is deeply committed to British storytelling and this will offer fans an exciting new way to experience this magical world in the city that features so prominently in the stories.

“It will be very special, offering a completely new retail experience that will delight and entertain Harry Potter fans.”

The new store will join the collection of Warner Bros.-owned and operated Harry Potter experiences in London, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and the Harry Potter store in King’s Cross.

The ‘Harry Potter Shop’ is located near the platform 9 ¾ tram at King’s Cross station, where Muggles can purchase wands, robes, uniforms, golden platform 9 ¾ tickets and other Potter collectibles.

The store’s wooden floors and paneled walls take a chapter from Jack Wills’ book and are reminiscent of traditional Hogwarts school days.

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan announced plans to ban traffic from part of Oxford Street had been approved in February.

Vehicles will be prohibited from entering the 0.1 kilometer area between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch.

Oxford Street is one of the world’s busiest shopping areas, with around half a million visitors every day.

Pedestrianization work on the road is expected to start in the summer and the first pedestrianized section will be put into service by the end of the year.