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arner Bros. is poised to bring a Harry Potter-themed store to Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile, marking the second such location in the US after New York's Flatiron District. The multilevel space at 676 North Michigan Avenue, previously occupied by Express, could soon become home to the wizarding world. JLL's Matt Ramsey is representing Warner Bros. in leasing negotiations.

    The potential deal comes as Mag Mile retail vacancies reached unprecedented levels, with a record-high 33.5% vacancy rate along the strip. However, vacancy rates have begun to decline, with the middle portion of the retail strip seeing a drop to 16.9%. The Harry Potter flagship could be a game-changer for the area, offering fans an immersive experience through interactive wand duels and scavenger hunts, as well as merchandise like butterbeer.

    The store's arrival is part of a broader revitalization effort on the Mag Mile, which has seen several high-profile closures in recent years. Spanish retailer Mango has also secured a lease at 664-670 North Michigan Avenue, a space formerly occupied by Tommy Bahama. The expansion marks another major step toward revitalizing the retail corridor and aligns with Mango's ambitious U.S. growth strategy.