Pokémon Announces First-Ever Permanent Store Outside Asia as Global Expansion Plans Revealed

The Pokémon Company has officially announced plans to open its first permanent Pokémon store outside Asia, marking a major expansion of its physical retail presence around the world.

The new store will offer exclusive Pokémon merchandise and special in-store experiences, giving fans a dedicated destination to explore the franchise throughout the year.

The first location is planned for London, where Pokémon has previously operated several temporary retail events and pop-up shops.

Pokémon celebrated its 30th anniversary in February 2026, marking three decades since Pokémon Red and Green first launched for Nintendo’s Game Boy in Japan.

Since then, the franchise has expanded into one of the world’s most successful entertainment brands, encompassing video games, anime, trading cards, toys and an extensive range of official merchandise.

Pokémon Centers have also become popular destinations across Japan, offering exclusive plushies, collectibles, clothing and other products alongside seasonal events and special collaborations.

Although several permanent stores have opened elsewhere in Asia, including Singapore and Taiwan, fans in the UK have previously relied on online shopping and temporary retail events to purchase exclusive Pokémon merchandise directly from the brand.

London previously hosted a temporary Pokémon Center at Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush during October and November 2019, celebrating the launch of Pokémon Sword and Shield for Nintendo Switch.

The pop-up featured exclusive London-themed merchandise, including a special Pikachu design, alongside opportunities to try the upcoming games ahead of their release.

The event attracted enormous interest from fans, with hundreds queuing for hours to visit the store and purchase its exclusive products.

Following the success of that event, The Pokémon Company launched its official Pokémon Center UK online store in December 2021, allowing British fans to order official plushies, clothing, Pokémon Trading Card Game products and other merchandise directly.

More recently, Pokémon also teamed up with London’s Natural History Museum for an exclusive “Pokécology” pop-up shop in early 2026, featuring merchandise inspired by the relationship between Pokémon and real-world natural history.

That collaboration included clothing, stationery, collectible plushies and a special “Pikachu at the Museum” promotional card, which was distributed as part of the museum event and through selected UK retailers.

For the newly announced permanent store, The Pokémon Company International intends to create a special space where fans can discover exclusive products and enjoy experiences designed around the Pokémon franchise.

Gaku Susai, Chief Product and Experience Officer at The Pokémon Company International, explained that the new location is intended to bring fans together and provide opportunities for both longtime players and newcomers to experience Pokémon in new ways.

Although exclusive merchandise and special activities have been promised, the exact products and experiences planned for the store have yet to be revealed.

The Pokémon Company has also not confirmed the store’s specific address, size, or official name, including whether it will operate under the familiar Pokémon Center branding.

The permanent London store is currently scheduled to open by 2029, with further announcements regarding its location, merchandise and opening arrangements expected in the future.

It will also be the first of several new permanent Pokémon retail locations planned outside Asia, although The Pokémon Company has yet to reveal which other countries or cities will receive stores.