For shoppers, it's an adventure: Among the 15, 000 to 20, 000 items stocked by the average store, you might find Singer sewing machines and Harry Potter T shirts one week, slot machines and wedding gowns the next.

FORBES: Out of the Discard Bin

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone isn't nominated and will not join the list.

FORBES: Box Office Champs Rarely Thank The Academy

They don't know a world without Harry Potter and have faith that anything we publish just might become as big as Harry.

WSJ: I Know How Lousy the Muggles Feel

Now, following fresh rule changes, the best-picture field announced Tuesday didn't include any huge hits: The year's top earner, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, " is missing, as are all the year's other top-10-grossing films.

WSJ: 'Hugo,' 'The Artist' Dominate Oscar Nominations