Alright friends, let’s talk about the brand new Harry Potter Shop Chicago! This magical retail experience just opened on April 10th on Michigan Avenue, and it’s bringing that Universal Orlando wizarding magic to the Midwest.
As someone who’s visited the flagship Harry Potter New York store multiple times (and spent way too much on Butterbeer), I’ve been trying to watch as much coverage on what you can expect from this second U.S. location.
1. The Magical Michigan Avenue Entrance
You’ll find the store tucked under the Omni Hotel at 676 N Michigan Avenue, right on the Magnificent Mile. From what I’ve seen, they’ve gone all out with the entrance – featuring a moving mermaid-stained glass window inspired by the Prefects’ bathroom at Hogwarts.
The entire store is themed around the Triwizard Tournament from Goblet of Fire. Think suspended flaming broomsticks, a shimmering golden egg, and even a maze pattern on the floor leading to the registers. A nice touch compared to the more Deathly Hallows-focused New York location!
2. America’s Largest Butterbeer Bar
This is definitely where you’ll want to head first! The Chicago location features the largest Butterbeer Bar in the United States, designed with a Chicago speakeasy vibe.
A Butterbeer will set you back $13.50 (including a souvenir mug), with ice cream version at $9.50. These prices are a little more pricey than what you’d pay at Universal Orlando, but think of this as a trip to Orlando without the 3pm thunderstorms and sweating through every article of clothing!
The Chicago-exclusive butterscotch popcorn sounds like a must-try too. In New York, their exclusive treats tend to sell out early in the day, so grabbing these special items early is always a good strategy.
3. Chicago-Exclusive Merchandise
Just like how each Universal park has its own exclusive souvenirs, the Chicago store has city-specific merchandise you can’t find anywhere else.
You’ll find Chicago-themed bears, spirit jerseys, pins, mugs, tote bags, and caps. The New York store’s exclusive items were instant collector’s pieces, so if you’re a serious Potter collector, you might want to grab these opening-month exclusives before they potentially disappear.
4. The Interactive Bertie Bott’s Experience
The Chicago store features an oversized interactive jellybean experience centered around Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.
You spin a wheel that randomly selects flavors ranging from delicious to disgusting. At $12 a package, the beans themselves aren’t cheap, but the interactive element is free and makes for great photos. The New York store has smaller interactive elements, but this looks like a Chicago specialty.
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5. The Room of Wands
The Chicago store boasts 47 different character wands starting at $39 each. While not the interactive experience you get at Universal (no wand choosing you with special effects), the display looks immersive and really cool from the various Youtubers who got the sneak peak.
What makes this different from the New York location appears to be the layout and presentation. The NYC store has wands throughout different sections, while Chicago has created a dedicated “Room of Wands” experience.
6. The Triwizard Tournament Design
The store specifically leans into the Triwizard Tournament theme:
- Suspended broomsticks “on fire” (dragon challenge)
- Golden Egg focal point (water trial)
- Maze-patterned floor (maze challenge)
- Goblet of Fire centerpiece
This specific theme makes Chicago distinct from Universal Orlando’s areas, giving Potter fans something fresh to experience even if you’ve been to the parks dozens of times.nct from both Universal Orlando and the New York location, giving Potter fans something fresh to experience.
7. House Sections Done Right
Each Hogwarts house gets dedicated merchandise sections, and what’s particularly exciting is that reports show Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff getting equal treatment here.
(If you’ve ever been a frustrated Hufflepuff staring at a tiny section while Gryffindor gets an entire wall at other Potter merchandise locations, you know this is a big deal!)
There are even dedicated fitting rooms for trying on house gear before buying, which is a thoughtful touch you don’t always find in themed retail.
8. The Personalization Station
You can personalize several items in the store, including:
- Hogwarts robes
- Wand boxes
- Acceptance letters
If personalization is on your must-do list, head there early in your visit as these stations typically develop the longest lines as the day goes on. Prices typically run $10-20 above the standard item cost, but make for much more memorable souvenirs.
9. The House of MinaLima
This is huge for design fans! Chicago hosts a House of MinaLima showcasing the work of the graphic design duo behind the films.
They’ve created a Chicago-exclusive print that looks absolutely stunning from the photos I’ve seen. For those who appreciate the artistic elements of the Potter universe beyond just the characters and stories, this section is an absolute must-visit.
10. The Speakeasy-Inspired Elements
Chicago specifically leans into the city’s speakeasy history, particularly in the Butterbeer Bar area.
This localization touch gives the store its own personality rather than feeling like it could be anywhere. It’s similar to how Universal customizes each land to feel unique – these regional touches make the experience feel special.
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When To Go & Insider Tips
Listen, opening day saw lines of hundreds of fans with hours-long waits. If you’re planning a visit, here’s what I recommend:
- Best timing: Weekday mornings, ideally Tuesday-Thursday
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday-Sunday 9am-9pm
- Allow time: Give yourself at least an hour to explore and enjoy a Butterbeer
- Budget accordingly: Like Universal Orlando merch, nothing here is cheap!
The store employs about 75 retail workers, 24 Butterbeer Bar staff, and 12 security guards, so there’s plenty of help available if you have questions or need assistance finding something specific.
Is It Worth Visiting for Universal Orlando Fans?
Absolutely! If you love the Wizarding World areas at Universal Orlando and are planning a Chicago trip (or live nearby), it’s definitely worth checking out. Think of it as a way to get your Harry Potter fix between park visits!
With Epic Universe opening in May 2025 and promising even more Potter experiences, this retail location is a great appetizer to tide us over. Plus, you get to enjoy that magical feeling without the Orlando heat and humidity – that alone might be worth the visit!
Have you checked out the new Harry Potter Shop Chicago yet? What did you think compared to the Universal parks experience? Drop a comment below with your thoughts!