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'Potter' Finale Deathly for Book Business

Final chapter casting spell on readers, but sellers don't feel magic

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 25, 2007 9:06 AM CDT

(Newser) – The final Harry Potter installment will likely fly off the shelves like a Quidditch player, but retailers are feeling decidedly grounded. Facing megasized hype, chains and websites will sell Harry for cost, leaving independent bookstores practically out of the selling loop. And Business Week reports Scholastic's lodestone is diverting attention away from the rest of its business.

Amazon.com’s CEO has admitted he doesn't even plan to make money from half-price The Deathly Hallows, but will settle for fans' extra web traffic. Meanwhile, Universal Studios is holding its breath over its planned Harry Potter theme park, hoping that the wizard isn’t killed off in his final scenes.

Daniel Radcliffe stars in Warner Bros. Pictures' family adventure film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Daniel Radcliffe stars in Warner Bros. Pictures' family adventure film, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."   (KRT Photos)
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint appear at the World Premiere Screening of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban at Radio City Music Hall, May 23, 2004 in New York City.
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint appear at the World Premiere Screening of "Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban" at Radio City Music Hall, May 23, 2004 in New York City.   (KRT Photos)
ENTER MOVIE-SUMMERFILMS 2 MCT
ENTER MOVIE-SUMMERFILMS 2 MCT   (KRT Photos)
This handout image received 29 March 2007 shows the front cover...
This handout image received 29 March 2007 shows the front cover...   (Getty Images)
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