SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 3, 2007 — Don't just read about the magic — experience it! So says Whimsic Alley, the Southern California shop frequently referred to by Harry Potter fans as the "Harry Potter Store," which has added its own touch of magic to that already surrounding the July 21 release of the newest Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Although the seventh and final book in the vastly popular Harry Potter series has surged to the top of the best seller list, intense competition amongst the discount chains and large Internet booksellers has stripped most of the profits from sales of the book, making it difficult for smaller shops such as Whimsic Alley to compete. However, this boutique shop which was designed to look like a scene out of Dickens or a Potter film, has found a way to trump the Internet behemoths — by packaging the book with a free wand.
Whimsic Alley's Phoenix Wands may be the world's most popular line of wands. Phoenix produces nearly 30 styles, all intricately designed and ranging in price from $8 to $40. The free wand promotion lets customers select any wand they'd like — even the $40 ones.
Wands play such an integral role in the Harry Potter stories that it's hard to imagine a true fan not owning one. In fact, many frequenters of Whimsic Alley, youths and adults alike, own several wands.
Wand owners have begun requesting the next logical thing — a spell book which features the types of fanciful spells Harry Potter fans are accustomed to. That demand is expected to be quelled with this month's release of The Whimsic Alley Book of Spells, Hampton Roads Publishing, edited by George Beahm and Whimsic Alley owner, Stan Goldin.
Whimsic Alley's other shops feature robes, sweaters, ties, scarves, feather quills, wizard confections, wizard books and a myriad of curios and other items, making it a favorite destination for would-be wizards. Its centerpiece is HP Wizard Store, boasting the largest selection of licensed Harry Potter products in the world.
The free wand offer is available now, both at Whimsic Alley's website (http://www.whimsicalley.com) and in their Santa Monica store. The wand is shipped immediately while the book will ship on its release date of July 21.
Whimsic Alley is located at 2717-1/2 Wilshire Blvd,, Santa Monica, CA. Hours are 11 to 5 Wednesday through Sunday. During Spring Break they are open every day. Phone 310-453-2370.
CONTACT:
Stan Goldin
Whimsic Alley
310-453-2370
FAX: 310-453-2374
Email
http://www.whimsicalley.com (photos available for download)