First look: Take a look inside the magical new Harry Potter shop in Emporium M33

A new gift shop specialising in Harry Potter merchandise has expanded at Sale’s independent shopping hub. 

Brand new shop to Sale, The Spell Counter, specialises in official Harry Potter merchandise and gifts. It has recently expanded into a larger space at Sale’s Emporium M33.

We caught up with the shop’s owner, Sale resident Sarah Rossin, to find out more about the bewitching business. 

Sarah said: “My whole family are very big fans of the Harry Potter franchise and we have been keen to open a place like this for a couple of years. Initially, we took a small space at Emporium, it was only a shelf on a wall, but the feedback was good and we decided to expand. 

“For the past eight years I’ve been working in accounts for a construction company, but when we decided to go for a bigger space, I quit that job to focus on working at The Spell Counter full-time.” 

The unit, which sells everything a Harry Potter fan could dream of, from crafted wands and stuffed Hedwigs to pop-up books and chocolate frogs, is unique to Greater Manchester, as it is an official provider of licensed Harry Potter merchandise. 

Sarah said: “We stock many items that fans would expect, but we also have a range of products that people might not have seen before. We are providing something different, whether people are looking to buy something for themselves or gifts for friends and family.” 

Sarah, who opened the unit alongside her daughter Olivia, said the move to retail has been “scary”, but moving into Emporium was reassuring. 

“We had looked a few places, including Afflecks Palace, but Emporium M33 seemed like the obvious place for us to set up home. You aren’t tied to a scary lease, there is plenty of passing trade and the other business owners are so supportive.” 

“In the current economic climate, opening a traditional retail unit just isn’t feasible. The Emporium offers the support of many different traders all under one roof”

Although a new business, Sarah is already looking ahead:

“We know that the next year or two is going to be tough for small businesses – if you want local independents to succeed, it’s use it or lose it. So we’re always looking at ways that we can become a bigger part of the community and hope to take part in the town’s more start doing interactive activities and town trails. We’d also like to think we could expand even further inside the Emporium, as we’d love to stay in the area and grow our business in Sale.” 

If you’re in the market for some wizardly gifts and goodies, The Spell Counter is located on the ground floor of Emporium M33 (3-7 Tatton Road, Sale M33 7EB) and is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm. 🧙‍♂️