Pokémon is preparing to take its dedicated retail experience beyond Asia, with London selected as the home of its first permanent store outside the region. The new location is planned for 2029.
For many fans, official merchandise is currently easiest to find through the online Pokémon Center. Its ranges have included seasonal collections, such as Halloween products, as well as collaborations with organisations including the European Space Agency.
A new Pokémon destination in London
The Pokémon Company says the London store will sell a broad selection of merchandise and provide “one-of-a-kind experiences for Trainers of all ages”. The announcement did not provide a precise address, store size or opening date beyond the 2029 target.
Gaku Susai, chief product and experience officer at The Pokémon Company International, described the planned venue as a place where newcomers and long-time Trainers can enter the world of Pokémon, meet fellow fans and experience the brand in a different way.
That combination of shopping and interactive experiences could make the store relevant to more than collectors. It also reflects the way major game brands increasingly use physical venues as community spaces, much like an arcade news and gaming destination can bring enthusiasts together.
More permanent stores are planned
London is not intended to be a one-off. The announcement says it will be the first of several permanent Pokémon stores planned for locations outside Asia, with further details to be revealed later.
Fans in several countries have previously encountered temporary Pokémon pop-up shops. New York also had a permanent Pokémon store in the early 2000s, although it was later converted into a general Nintendo Store.
Across Asia, the brand already operates permanent Pokémon Centers in Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. A permanent store in Thailand was also scheduled to open by the end of 2026. The London project will therefore represent a significant expansion of the brand’s physical retail footprint rather than its first move into in-person shopping.
A busy year for Pokémon merchandise
The retail announcement arrives during Pokémon’s 30th anniversary year in 2026. The franchise has also had a strong run of releases and products, including the launch of Pokémon Pokopia and Nintendo Switch ports of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen.
Merchandise released during the anniversary period has ranged from a miniature Pokémon jukebox and a large Snorlax rug to luggage designed with windows for Pokémon plush toys. Other products have included LEGO sets, Pokémon Polaroid cameras and Pokémon footwear.
For Australian fans, the London announcement is mainly a sign of where the brand’s global retail strategy may be heading. It does not confirm an Australian Pokémon Center, but a broader international rollout could create more opportunities for official stores and events outside Asia.
Until more locations and dates are announced, collectors will need to rely on existing online channels, pop-ups and licensed retailers. Fans interested in building a dedicated gaming space can also explore arcade machines, compact bartop arcades or a guide to choosing an arcade machine.
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