Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Commerce in the Wizarding World====== =====Introduction===== Commerce in the wizarding world is the system of trade, business, and finance that functions largely independently of the [[Muggle]] economy. It encompasses a wide range of specialized goods and services tailored to the needs of [[witches]] and [[wizards]], from the procurement of [[wand]]s and [[cauldron]]s to the banking services provided by [[goblin]]s. The commercial heart of the British wizarding community is centered in locations like [[Diagon Alley]] in [[London]] and the village of [[Hogsmeade]] in [[Scotland]], which are magically concealed from non-magical people. =====Wizarding Currency===== The wizarding economy in [[Britain]] operates on a unique monetary system of three coins, all managed and minted by [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]]. * **[[Galleon]]:** The most valuable coin, made of gold. * **[[Sickle]]:** An intermediate coin, made of silver. * **[[Knut]]:** The least valuable coin, made of bronze. The exchange rates are intentionally non-decimal and fixed: * 1 [[Galleon]] = 17 silver [[Sickle]]s * 1 [[Sickle]] = 29 bronze [[Knut]]s * Therefore, 1 [[Galleon]] = 493 [[Knut]]s [[Witches]] and [[wizards]] from [[Muggle]] families can exchange [[Muggle Money]] for wizarding currency at [[Gringotts]]. The value of wizarding money is significant; for example, [[Harry Potter]]'s prize winnings from the [[Triwizard Tournament]] of one thousand [[Galleon]]s was considered a small fortune. =====Major Commercial Hubs===== While shops and businesses exist throughout the wizarding world, several key areas serve as primary centers of commerce. * **[[Diagon Alley]]:** The main commercial thoroughfare in magical [[London]], accessible to wizards through [[The Leaky Cauldron]]. It is the primary destination for [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] students to buy their school supplies. Notable establishments include: * `[[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]]`: The central bank of the wizarding world. * `[[Ollivanders]]`: A renowned maker and seller of fine [[wand]]s. * `[[Flourish and Blotts]]`: The primary bookstore for [[Hogwarts]] textbooks. * `[[Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions]]`: A shop specializing in [[robe]]s and school uniforms. * `[[Eeylops Owl Emporium]]`: A seller of [[owl]]s and related supplies. * `[[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]]`: A popular joke shop founded by [[Fred Weasley]] and [[George Weasley]]. * **[[Knockturn Alley]]:** A dark and narrow street branching off from [[Diagon Alley]], known for its shops dedicated to the [[Dark Arts]]. Its most infamous shop is [[Borgin and Burkes]], which deals in dangerous and sinister magical objects. * **[[Hogsmeade]]:** The only entirely non-[[Muggle]] village in [[Britain]]. Located near [[Hogwarts]], it is a popular destination for students from their third year onwards. Key businesses include: * `[[The Three Broomsticks Inn]]`: A warm and popular pub run by [[Madam Rosmerta]]. * `[[The Hog's Head Inn]]`: A more rustic and discreet pub run by [[Aberforth Dumbledore]]. * `[[Honeydukes]]`: A legendary sweetshop filled with a vast array of magical confectionery. * `[[Zonko's Joke Shop]]`: A favorite for students looking for [[prank item]]s. * `[[Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop]]`: A shop selling writing materials like [[quill]]s and [[parchment]]. * **Other Locations:** Other wizarding commercial streets like [[Horizont Alley]] and [[Carkitt Market]] exist in [[London]], providing additional shopping options beyond [[Diagon Alley]]. (Pottermore) =====Types of Businesses and Goods===== The wizarding economy supports a diverse range of businesses tailored to magical life. * **Retail:** Shops sell a vast array of goods including [[potion]] ingredients, magical instruments like [[telescope]]s and [[Sneakoscope]]s, [[robe]]s, [[cauldron]]s, [[broomstick]]s, books, and [[magical creature]]s. * **Services:** Businesses offer essential services such as banking at [[Gringotts]], hospitality at inns like [[The Leaky Cauldron]], and transportation via the [[Knight Bus]]. The [[Daily Prophet]] provides news and media services. * **Mail-Order:** Many businesses, including the [[Daily Prophet]] for subscriptions and [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]] for their joke products, operate mail-order services using the [[Owl Post]] system. [[Harry Potter]] received his [[Nimbus 2000]] via owl order in his first year. =====Economy and Regulation===== The wizarding economy is overseen by the [[Ministry of Magic]]. Various departments, such as the [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]] and the [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]], enforce laws and regulations that impact commerce. For instance, there are strict controls on the breeding and sale of certain magical beasts (classified as Class A Non-Tradeable Goods) and the trade of cursed artifacts. The economy also reflects social disparities. While some families like the [[Malfoys]] are extremely wealthy, others, like the [[Weasley family]], struggle financially, highlighting a clear economic divide within the community. =====Behind the Scenes===== J.K. Rowling has stated in interviews that she designed the wizarding currency system to be complex and slightly illogical to emphasize the wizarding world's difference from the more orderly [[Muggle]] world. She admitted that the mathematics of it were not a primary concern during the writing process. (J.K. Rowling interview)
