Store Offers Half-Blood at Total Discount

by Shannon Maughan, PW Daily for Booksellers -- Publishers Weekly, 2/17/2005

Just when you thought discounting couldn't erode the profit margin on new Harry Potter titles any farther, a three-month-old store in Santa Monica, Calif., that is dedicated to all things Harry and Hogwarts is offering Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, due out July 16, at one of the deepest discounts yet.

Shoppers who buy $50 worth of eligible materials from Whimsic Alley "shops" or other eligible Harry Potter merchandise in the store or on the store's Web site, will receive Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince free with purchase (shipping is free, too) on the day of publication.

Whimsic Alley, "a shopping haven for wizards of distinction," is meant to resemble an alley (like the books' Diagon Alley) and contains different "stores" with names such as Habber & Dasher for clothes, like Hogwarts themed sweaters; Phoenix Wands (yes, a case full of wands) and Pilcher & Blots, a sweets shop displaying Dementor's Kisses and tasty Troll Boogers candies among other things.

What's next? Will a retailer eventually pay customers to take Harry Potter VII?

This article originally appeared in the February 16, 2005 issue of PW Daily for Booksellers. For more information about PW Daily, including a sample and subscription information, click here »

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