Pokemon fans in Europe are finally getting a dedicated place of their own. The Pokemon Company International has announced that a permanent, physical Pokemon store is coming to London, promising exclusive merchandise and one-of-a-kind experiences for fans of all ages.
The company says the store will be "the first physical retail space for the Pokemon brand outside of Asia", though there's an interesting bit of history there we'll get to below.
What We Know So Far
The announcement went up yesterday on the official Pokemon UK site, and details are still light. The store is currently scheduled to open by 2029, and no exact address or neighborhood has been revealed.
The Pokemon Company describes the space as "the ultimate destination for Pokemon fans," with a mix of exclusive merchandise and experiences designed for Trainers of all ages. It hasn't said what those experiences will be, so expect more details as the opening gets closer. Fans will likely be hoping for plush, apparel and Trading Card Game products, which are staples at Pokemon stores elsewhere.
A Message From The Pokemon Company
Gaku Susai, Chief Product and Experience Officer at The Pokemon Company International, explained the thinking behind the move. "We are always exploring new opportunities that help us create unique and memorable experiences for our fans," he said.
"This new London store will give visitors the chance to step into the world of Pokemon, whether they're discovering the brand for the first time or have been Trainers for years. We hope it becomes a place where everyone can come together, feel like part of a community and enjoy the magic of Pokemon in a whole new way."
Only The Beginning
The most exciting part of the announcement may be its last line. The company says the London location will be "the first of several permanent Pokemon stores that are planned to launch outside of Asia." No other cities have been named, but fans in North America, mainland Europe and beyond will surely be hoping their city is next.
Until now, fans outside Asia have mostly relied on the online Pokemon Center store, licensed retailers and occasional pop-up events to get official merchandise. A permanent store would give UK fans a regular place to pick up exclusives, and possibly attend events tied to the games, the anime and the Trading Card Game.
A Bit Of Pokemon Retail History
Longtime fans may raise an eyebrow at the "first outside of Asia" claim. Back in 2001, Nintendo opened the Pokemon Center in New York's Rockefeller Plaza. The store was rebranded as the Nintendo World Store in 2005, and it still operates today under the Nintendo New York name.
The Pokemon Company's wording likely refers to its own current retail plans rather than that earlier store, but it's a fun reminder that Pokemon has had a physical home in the West before. Either way, London will become the first permanent Pokemon store outside Asia in a very long time, and the first ever in Europe.
Why London Makes Sense
The UK has one of the biggest Pokemon fan bases in Europe, and London has hosted major Pokemon events over the years, including the Pokemon World Championships in 2022. It's also a global tourist hub, making it an easy pick for a flagship store designed to draw visitors from across Europe and beyond.
With a 2029 target, it's still a long wait. But for fans who have spent years importing exclusives from Japan, a permanent store on this side of the world is a huge step.
Will you be visiting the London Pokemon store when it opens, and which city do you hope gets one of the next locations?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.