Fans who have travelled to Asia for a Pokémon Center will soon have a new destination closer to home. The Pokémon Company plans to open a permanent London store in 2029, marking its first announced expansion of this kind beyond Asia.
The London location is described as the first of several permanent Pokémon stores planned around the world. No further cities or territories have been confirmed so far. The announcement is available on the official website.
For more stories about new developments across the wider arcade and gaming industry, keep an eye on RETROCADE.
What to expect from the London store
Gaku Susai, Chief Product and Experience Officer at The Pokémon Company International, said the venue is intended to offer more than a retail visit. In a statement, Susai described it as a place where newcomers and long-time Trainers can enter the Pokémon world, share a sense of community and enjoy the brand in a new setting.
That approach follows the model established by Pokémon Centers in Asia. These stores attract tourists, dedicated fans and scalpers from around the world, while offering merchandise that is exclusive to the locations. They are also known for elaborate statues and themed displays that are not commonly found elsewhere.
A new chapter for Pokémon retail
The United States previously had a Pokémon Center in New York City. That venue has since become Nintendo New York, selling Pokémon products alongside merchandise covering Nintendo’s broader range of characters and games.
Small details from the earlier store remain, including entrance door handles shaped like Poké Balls. The London opening will therefore give international fans a new permanent destination while extending a retail concept that has largely been associated with Asia.
For readers considering dedicated gaming hardware at home, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide can help compare the options, from full-size cabinets to a compact bartop arcade.
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