Barnes and Noble Fairfax is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of the latest edition in J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two. In anticipation of its arrival, the book retailer launched an event series in June, and the celebrations will continue beyond the book’s July 31 release.
Barnes and Noble stores across the country held the first event on June 24 to get Harry Potter fans (even more) excited for the forthcoming book.
“It actually went really well,” Rebecca Maguire, Barnes and Noble’s community and business development manager, says. “It was extremely well attended.”
Next up, Barnes and Noble Fairfax will celebrate the book’s arrival with its Countdown to Midnight party. Those in attendance will be able to relive the magic of Harry Potter by writing their favorite parts of the original series on a “Muggle Wall” and entering to win several giveaways, including a set of the first seven Harry Potter books featuring limited-edition covers. The store is expecting a fairly large turnout for the party, Maguire says, and to prepare, employees are adding Harry Potter-themed decor throughout the store.
The party begins at 8 p.m. on July 30 and culminates with the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two when fans will be able to finally get their hands on Rowling’s new book. The entire store will be open for the duration of the event, including a Starbucks where attendees can purchase food and drinks.
Barnes and Noble Fairfax’s celebration doesn’t end there, though. On July 31, customers can return to the store to share their thoughts on the new book and participate in more Harry Potter-themed events and activities.
“We’ve just found that Harry Potter fans are so excited and so interested in anything new that’s Harry Potter,” Maguire says. “So we give them a couple of opportunities to come out and celebrate.”
Customers aren’t the only ones who are looking forward to the new Harry Potter book—so is the Barnes and Noble Fairfax staff.
“Everybody is very excited, so we hope that carries over to our customers as well,” Maguire says.
