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MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT 1: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pledge.

Stores Make Pledge of Silence; Hand Out Ear Plugs in Cities with Most Passion for Potter

BENTONVILLE, Ark., July 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mid-July could trigger the world's largest read-a-thon! So while self-professed seers share rumors of "who dies" in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Wal-Mart is ever vigilant in making sure fans from San Jose to San Juan enjoy the book to the very end.

Beginning this week, a million Wal-Mart associates in the U.S. and abroad join fans to make a pledge that once Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is released at 12:01 a.m., July 21, the final chapter will not be discussed at registers, in case a customer does not yet know. Fans worldwide have agreed this "silence" is golden for readers, and more than 8,000 already have said they, too, will not spoil the end in chatter, making their pledge at http://www.makethepledge.net

Some Wal-Mart stores will even hand out ear plugs July 21 for those who immediately need to find a "quiet corner" to read their new book. Such special plans are being made in those cities where a particular Passion for Potter seems to exist.

Based on past book sales, Wal-Mart predicts that cities in these states will likely show the most Passion for Potter again this year, bringing out more muggles at midnight, July 21: -- Arizona -- Hawaii -- California -- Missouri -- Colorado -- Texas -- Georgia -- Utah -- Florida -- Virginia 2,900 Midnight Parties, Coast to Coast

All 24-hour Wal-Mart locations will host midnight Potter Parties on Friday July 20. Including new Harry Potter merchandise, Wal-Mart's size allows it to create a "storewide" entertainment experience for fans, including. -- Upon arrival, stores will "sort" fans into Hogwarts' houses of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff with color bands to ensure a place in line for the book;* -- Fans and associates dressed in their best Harry Potter character attire; -- Trivia challenges, refreshments and giveaways throughout the evening; -- Engaging entertainment throughout the store, including special features broadcast on Wal-Mart TV.

Fans who don't want to be out with the crowds at midnight can sleep in and save by going to non-24 hour Wal-Mart stores or by pre-ordering at http://www.walmart.com with 97 cent shipping.

Millions to take the Harry Potter Pledge In addition to U.S. plans, Wal-Mart stores in Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and in ASDA in the United Kingdom will engage associates in taking the pledge of silence too. The pledge takes effect in all Wal-Mart stores after the midnight 12:01 a.m., July 21 reminding others to safeguard against any chatter that could spoil the end for those who have not yet read the story.

Wal-Mart invites all fans to join the magic and keep the story's end a secret upon the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, so each reader can fully enjoy the experience through the end. Fans can take the Harry Potter Pledge on line at http://www.makethepledge.net or through http://www.walmart.com. The pledge also will be posted in stores near the books and stationery as the countdown the book release begins.

Wal-Mart's Pledge to Harry Potter Fans

There's plenty of excitement brewing, As the final chapter draws near; But hearing the story's end from others, Is what magicals and muggles all fear; So at Wal-Mart worldwide we've decided, To make a pledge to our customers that's clear, We'll keep silent on what we discover July 21, So you buy without fear of reveal here.

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)

Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America or log on to its online store at http://www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartfacts.com, http://www.walmartstores.com, or http://www.walmartfoundation.org.

*Harry Potter wristband ensures a place in line, but does not guarantee book availability. Purchase(s) can be made while supplies last. Write your own story telling us what you think about this article!