Welcome to this week’s edition of “Trending Topic Tuesday,” where we share our take on what’s going on in the world and what promotional products would appropriately (or inappropriately) market the subject matter.
The final installation of the Harry Potter film series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II, smashed box office records and brought in nearly half a billion dollars in its opening weekend. But the story and its revenue-generating potential are far from over, if the countless forms Harry Potter branded merchandise has taken over the years are any indicator of just how far-reaching this franchise really is.
Since the 1997 release of author J.K. Rowling’s first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, kids and grown-ups around the globe have become immersed in the wizarding world of Harry Potter as it’s come to exist in books, movies, and even its own theme park. Of course, fans’ love for the characters and the world they inhabit need not be contained within the pages of a book. From butterbeer to basilisk fangs, dozens of fictitious objects created by Rowling have been brought to life in the form of branded merchandise. Furthermore, ordinary “Muggle” necessities like toothpaste and silverware have been imprinted, embroidered and engraved with the faces of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, made iconic for their roles as Harry, Ron and Hermione.
There’s even Potter-inspired merchandise for pups, like this Gryffindor dog hat available on Etsy:
What’s the craziest piece of Harry Potter branded merchandise you’ve seen (or own)? Share your answers in the comments section below.
Kelsey
Social Media Manager
Hmmm…I own a ton of Harry Potter stuff (including a shirt I made that says “I trust Severus Snape”) but I think one of my favorite items is my Slytherin scarf that I knitted…with pockets! http://flic.kr/p/5BGTCX