The Pokemon Company plans to open a permanent Pokemon store in London by 2029, the first of several planned outside Asia. Here’s what fans know about the store so far.
Pokemon fans outside Asia are finally getting a permanent place to shop.
The Pokemon Company plans to open a permanent Pokemon retail store in London, England, by 2029, the company announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, according to Kotaku.
The London store is the first of several permanent Pokemon stores planned outside Asia.
When does the London Pokemon store open?
By 2029, according to Video Games Chronicle. The Pokemon Company hasn’t announced an exact opening date or location in London yet.
Is the London store a Pokemon Center?
Not by name, at least for now. The Pokemon Company isn’t calling the London shop a Pokemon Center, the name it uses for its permanent stores in Japan and its pop-up shops at Pokemon events, VGC reported.
The company hasn’t announced what the store will be called.
What will be at the London Pokemon store?
The Pokemon Company hasn’t shared details yet. It says the store will let fans “step into the world of Pokemon,” according to Time Extension.
Pokemon Centers in Asia are famous for exclusive merchandise and giant Pokemon statues and displays, Kotaku reported. They draw tourists, fans and resellers alike.
What did The Pokemon Company say?
Gaku Susai, chief product and experience officer at The Pokemon Company International, said the company is “always exploring new opportunities“ to create memorable experiences for fans.
He also said he hopes the store becomes “a place where everyone can come together.”
Why did Pokemon pick London?
The United Kingdom already has its own Pokemon Center online store and a fulfillment center, which VGC pointed to as a reason for the choice.
London has also hosted big Pokemon events. The Pokemon European International Championships have been held at London’s ExCeL center for several years, with a pop-up Pokemon Center that often sells out of free time slots weeks ahead, according to VGC.
How popular are Pokemon pop-up stores in London?
Very. Earlier London pop-ups in 2019 and 2022 drew lines of up to five hours a day, according to Time Extension.
The crowds led to early closures, extra security, limits on how many items fans could buy and a pre-booking system.
Is there a Pokemon Center in the U.S.?
Not anymore. A Pokemon Center opened at Rockefeller Center in New York City on Nov. 16, 2001. It closed in 2005 and became the Nintendo World Store, which is now Nintendo New York.
Nintendo New York still sells Pokemon merchandise, and its door handles are still shaped like Poke Balls, Kotaku reported. U.S. fans can also shop online at PokemonCenter.com.
Where are Pokemon Centers now?
Mostly in Japan, which has 23 locations. The first Pokemon Center opened in Tokyo in 1998.
Outside Japan, there are Pokemon Centers in Singapore, at Jewel Changi Airport, and in Taipei, Taiwan. A Pokemon Center in Bangkok, Thailand, is expected to open in December 2026.
Why is Pokemon merch in such high demand?
Pokemon is one of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world. It started with the Pokemon Red and Green video games in Japan in 1996 and grew into an animated series, movies, toys and the Pokemon Trading Card Game.
Card packs and store-exclusive plush often sell out fast, and resellers have been a growing problem for fans.
Will there be a Pokemon store in the U.S.?
Maybe. The Pokemon Company says more locations outside Asia will be announced “in due time,” according to Time Extension. It hasn’t said which countries or cities are next.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Kotaku, Kenneth Shepard (Oct. 21, 2026), the London store announcement, Asia store details and Nintendo New York
Video Games Chronicle, Jordan Middler (Oct. 21, 2026), the store name, timing, why London and Gaku Susai’s quotes
Time Extension (Oct. 2026), the past London pop-ups and future locations
Wikipedia, Pokemon Center locations and history
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