Chicagoans are pretty used to weird things popping up along the Chicago River. (Heck, we make it turn neon green in tribute to Irish people every single year.) But even we had to rub our eyes in disbelief earlier this week when gigantic jellybeans were seen bobbing down the Chicago Riverwalk beneath the Michigan Avenue Bridge.
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The oversized Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans weren't there just to tempt your sweet tooth—they were actually part of a promotional activation for the previously announced and now soon-to-open Harry Potter Shop, which will officially bring the Wizarding World to Chicago with a grand opening on Thursday, April 10.
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Following the success of similar activations in New York and London, Warner Bros. Discovery announced a Chicago location of the mystical, merch-filled retailer to open this spring at 676 N. Michigan Avenue.
The new 12,300-square-foot storefront—the "elegant exterior" of which "pays homage to the city’s bold architectural spirit," while the store's interior design "leans into themes of resilience and rebirth seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," per the concept's website—will feature the largest speakeasy-inspired Butterbeer Bar in the U.S. (serving the eponymous sweet brew as well as Chicago-themed Butterscotch Popcorn), a Honeydukes-inspired confectionery (distributing candies such as chocolate frogs and, yes, normal-sized versions of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans) and Chicago-exclusive Wizarding World merchandise, including a Chicago bear, spirit jersey, pins, mugs, tote bags and caps.
Fan-favorite items like wands, robes, stationary and other collectables will be available for purchase, as well as iconic Hogwarts house apparel. There will also be real props from the beloved eight-film fantasy franchise (think the Ministry of Magic's red phone box and Hagrid's boots), as well as festive decorations (suspended broomsticks, maze-patterned floors and the Goblet of Fire itself, among others) adding to the immersive shopping experience.
"Our ambition is to bring some Harry Potter magic to Chicago with our uniquely themed shopping experience and unmatched selection of products," said Sarah Roots, EVP Warner Bros. Worldwide Studio Tours and Retail, in an official statement. "I am delighted we have secured such a great property in a prime location and look forward to the opening next year."
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