Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens online store

Universal Studios has opened an online store to provide wizard-themed merchandise to the millions of Harry Potter fans.

The opening of Universal's new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park this year has sparked a resurgence in demand for all things Potter-related, -from t-shirts and souvenirs to wands and candies. In fact, Universal worked with Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling to create, design and produce more than 600 items based on the books.

Theme park officials stated that the decision to create an online outlet for the Potter merchandise was made after employees noticed how quickly items were flying off the shelves at the park itself. Guests at the parks have reported that the lines to purchase merchandise are sometimes longer than those to go on rides.

The ecommerce site will allow people from all over the world - not just those who can travel to the park in Orlando, Florida - to stock their online shopping carts with Hogwarts robes and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.

The park, based on the bestselling book series, has attracted an enormous crowd from all over the world since its official opening on June 18. The BBC reports that thousands of people lined up on opening day - Universal Orlando spokesman Tom Schroeder estimated the number of waiting fans at a staggering 5,000.