The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) has confirmed that a permanent Pokémon retail store will open in London by 2029, marking a long-term commitment to the capital and the company’s first new Pokémon Center-style store outside Asia in more than two decades.
What is planned
Details remain limited: TPCi has not announced an exact location or a firm opening date but said the new outlet will offer exclusive merchandise and “one-of-a-kind experiences” designed for fans of all ages. The company also indicated this London site will be the first of several permanent Pokémon stores planned outside Asia, with additional locations to be revealed in due course.
“one-of-a-kind experiences”
Context and background
London has been a testing ground for Pokémon retail in recent years. The city has hosted a number of Pokémon Centre pop-up stores since 2019, which likely helped TPCi assess customer demand and the market for a full-time presence.
The only full Pokémon Center previously opened outside Asia was Pokémon Center New York in 2001. That store offered exclusive merchandise and hosted themed events until it was converted into a Nintendo Store in 2005. The London announcement signals a renewed interest from TPCi in establishing permanent international outposts associated with the Pokémon Center brand.
Local economic and cultural impact
A permanent Pokémon store has potential implications for retail and tourism in London. Branded flagship stores often act as destinations for both local shoppers and visiting fans, generating footfall for surrounding businesses and providing seasonal employment opportunities.
For collectors and families, a dedicated Pokémon Centre-style outlet will provide access to items that may not be available through mainstream retailers and could host events, launches and exclusive product drops. For the leisure and retail sectors, the store may strengthen London’s position as a destination for themed retail experiences.
- Timing: Opening by 2029 (exact date and site not yet announced).
- Offerings: Exclusive merchandise and special experiences.
- Scope: First of several planned Pokémon Center-style permanent stores outside Asia.
What we know — chronological snapshot
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Pokémon Center New York opened (the only such store outside Asia at the time). |
| 2005 | Pokémon Center New York was converted into a Nintendo Store. |
| 2019–present | London hosted a series of Pokémon Center pop-up stores. |
| By 2029 | TPCi plans to open a permanent Pokémon retail store in London. |
What remains unclear
Many practical questions remain unanswered. TPCi has not disclosed the precise borough or shopping district that will host the store, nor the projected size, employment numbers or whether the outlet will operate year-round or include a themed café or event space. The company has also not confirmed the schedule for the additional international sites it has referenced.
Local planners and commercial landlords will be watching for further announcements. A permanent Pokémon Centre in central London would likely seek areas with high pedestrian traffic and tourist appeal, but suburban or large shopping-centre locations could also be considered depending on lease availability and strategic priorities.
Fan reaction and next steps
Fans who have followed the pop-ups since 2019 may welcome a dedicated, permanent space. TPCi’s statement that more locations are planned suggests a broader roll-out strategy that could reshape how the company engages with Western markets in the retail space.
Until TPCi releases further details, potential visitors and local businesses will need to await confirmation of the site and opening timeline. For now, the announcement underlines London’s continuing appeal to international brands seeking a high-profile European foothold.
Reporting will continue as TPCi provides further information on the project and any planning applications or leases are filed in the capital.
