Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Hot Topic Celebrate Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows with Exclusive Product Boutique at Locations Nationwide

BURBANK, Calif., Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and its longtime retail partner, Hot Topic (Nasdaq: HOTT), have announced the creation of exclusive Harry Potter merchandise boutiques in anticipation of the Warner Bros. Pictures’ release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, in theaters November 19, 2010.  These dedicated boutiques will feature all-new products inspired by the famous wizard at each of Hot Topic's 680 locations in the United States and Canada.  Additionally, an in-store mobile application will offer challenges and rewards to customers who participate through their iPhone and Android mobile devices.

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(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101104/MM93025 )

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Beginning today, the innovative Harry Potter-themed boutiques at all Hot Topic stores will offer fans an extensive product line, featuring junior and young men’s and women’s apparel, including exclusive Gryffindor and Slytherin polo and tie combination tees, along with bags, throws, jewelry, key chains, stationery, posters and more -- all just in time for the debut of the final title of the blockbuster film franchise.

“As fan excitement grows towards the climax of the Harry Potter films, we are delighted to once again team up with Hot Topic to create these unique boutiques,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.  “The offerings are quite extensive and fans of all ages will be excited once they step inside the stores and immerse themselves in the film-inspired product.”

“Hot Topic has always been a premier destination for Harry Potter fans and we are thrilled to partner with WBCP on this latest venture,” said Betsy McLaughlin, CEO, Hot Topic.  “The films resonate greatly with our customer base and we are fortunate to be able to provide exclusive product at all of our locations nationwide, as well as online.”

In conjunction with the product boutique launch, Hot Topic and WBCP will also offer the SCVNGR destination-based mobile promotional application, which will allow customers to unlock digital “badges” by visiting Hot Topic locations and participating in various challenges.  Each of the five badges represents one of the four school houses in Harry Potter, along with one for Hogwarts.  Customers are encouraged to visit the store weekly for a chance to collect all five and also to unlock the featured rewards: a mini-movie poster and 20% off any in-store Harry Potter item, redeemable at all participating Hot Topic stores..  Some of the whimsical challenges include dressing up as a favorite character and posing for the camera or describing their least favorite flavor of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans.  

In addition to the merchandise boutiques, certain items will be exclusively available online at www.hottopic.com.  The site is also set to host an online sweepstakes where Harry Potter fans can enter to win a trip to the star-studded U.S. premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, becoming among the first to see the final installment of the record-breaking film saga.  The premiere event will be held in Summer 2011, with the city and exact date to be announced next year.

About Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the keys to Voldemort’s immortality -- the Horcruxes.  On their own, without the guidance or protection of their professors, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever.  But there are Dark Forces in their midst that threaten to tear them apart as Harry draws ever closer to the task for which he has been preparing since the day he first stepped into Hogwarts: the ultimate battle with Voldemort.

This film has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence, frightening images and brief sensuality.

For downloadable press materials on this film, please visit:  http://press.warnerbros.com and for downloadable film clips and other EPK materials please visit:  www.epk.tv.

www.harrypotter.com

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About Hot Topic

Hot Topic, Inc. is a mall and web based specialty retailer operating the Hot Topic and Torrid concepts, as well as the e-space music concept, ShockHound. Hot Topic offers music/pop culture-licensed and music/pop culture-influenced apparel, accessories, music and gift items for young men and women principally between the ages of 12 and 22.

(TM) & (C) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.  Harry Potter Publishing Rights (C) J.K. Rowling.

(s10)

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and (C) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s10)

SOURCE Warner Bros. Consumer Products