Treat for Potter fans as wizarding shop opens in Brighton

Oliver Dall behind the counter at his new wizarding shop in Brighton

Oliver Dall, 26, has realised his dream of opening a wizarding shop, selling official Harry Potter merchandise, including Hogwarts uniforms for wannabe witches and wizards.

The shop on Trafalgar Street opens its doors at midday tomorrow (November 11) after months of work and planning.

Oliver said: "I am very excited, but at the same time nervous, because I want it to go as well as I hope it will."

The renovated shop now features a wall of wands, Potter-themed portraits and cabinets full of magical merchandise.

Oliver had an innovative recruitment process for his 'wizarding assistants', asking them to showcase their creativity when applying. More than 100 people applied to work in the shop.

Elaine Lighten, 26 from Worthing, was given a full-time position, and said: "I have been obsessed with Harry Potter since I watched the first film, and the obsession has never gone away. When I heard the shop was opening I wrote a CV and cover letter before he even asked for applications.

"The next day when I saw jobs being advertised I wrote a poem with water colour.

Elaine Lighten from Worthing works at Oliver's Brighton

"This is the perfect place for me to work."

Liv Hardy, 21, will work part time at the shop after graduating from university this year.

She said: "I followed the Instagram account and was so excited that the shop was opening. I responded to the ad by sending in a short story."

On her love for the Harry Potter books, she said: "I'm dyslexic so my dad read the first two to me, I listened to the third on audiobook, and then I started reading them myself, and it started a lifelong love of reading for me. It has a special place in my heart."

Potter fans are set to flock to the wizarding shop

Oliver, who will sell official Warner Brothers licensed merchandise, said the shop was not associated or endorsed by JK Rowling, Warner Brothers or the Harry Potter franchise, but is an independent venture.

He said: “The reason I am doing this is its the closest I can get to going to Hogwarts. This is the closest to being a wizard.”Oliver and his team will cut the ribbon to open Oliver's Brighton at midday tomorrow (Saturday).

To find out more, visit:{http:// www.oliversbrighton.co.uk|www.oliversbrighton.co.uk}