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A Permanent Pokémon Store Is Coming to London: The First Outside Asia
The Pokémon Company plans to open a permanent shop in London by 2029. Here is what has been confirmed, what has not, and what it could mean for UK card collectors.
On 21 October 2026, The Pokémon Company International announced a permanent Pokémon store in London, United Kingdom. It is scheduled to open by 2029 and will be the brand’s first physical retail space outside Asia, as well as the first of several permanent stores planned outside Asia. The exact location, name, size and opening date have not been announced yet. Pokémon says it will sell exclusive merchandise and offer experiences for fans of all ages.
Key facts at a glance
| What | A permanent, physical Pokémon retail store |
|---|---|
| Where | London, United Kingdom (exact site not announced) |
| When | Scheduled to open by 2029 |
| Announced | 21 October 2026, by The Pokémon Company International |
| Name | Not announced, and not officially called a Pokémon Center |
| What’s inside | Exclusive merchandise and “one-of-a-kind” experiences (no product list yet) |
| What’s next | First of several permanent stores planned outside Asia; no other cities named |
What Pokémon announced
In a short post on the official Pokémon UK website, The Pokémon Company International confirmed that a permanent Pokémon store is on its way to London. It describes the shop as the brand’s first physical retail space outside Asia and says it will offer exclusive merchandise and experiences for Trainers of all ages.
Gaku Susai, Chief Product and Experience Officer at The Pokémon Company International, said the company is “always exploring new opportunities that help us create unique and memorable experiences for our fans”. He added that visitors will be able to “step into the world of Pokémon”, whether they are new to the brand or have been Trainers for years, and that he hopes it becomes a place where fans can “feel like part of a community”.
That is the whole announcement. Pokémon has not given an address, a store size, a name or a specific opening date. It says more details will follow, so treat anything beyond the points above as unconfirmed until Pokémon publishes it.
Is it really the first Pokémon store outside Asia?
Mostly, yes, with one historical footnote. Pokémon’s permanent shops, best known as the Pokémon Center stores in Japan, have long been almost entirely in Asia. Fans elsewhere have relied on online shops, regular retailers and short-lived pop-ups.
The exception is Pokémon Center New York, which opened in the Rockefeller Center area in 2001 and closed in 2005. The site later became the Nintendo store, which is still trading. So London will be the first permanent Pokémon store outside Asia in more than two decades, and the first in Europe. It is also notable that the announcement does not use the “Pokémon Center” name, so the London shop may end up with its own branding and format.
Why London first?
Pokémon has not explained its choice, but a few things make London a logical starting point:
- Existing UK infrastructure. The UK is one of the few regions with its own Pokémon Center online shop and fulfilment operation, so stock and logistics already exist.
- Proven demand. ExCeL London has hosted the Pokémon European International Championships for several years, and its pop-up Pokémon Center has drawn heavy demand, with free entry slots often booked up weeks ahead.
- A tourist hub. London attracts visitors from across Europe and beyond, which suits a destination shop rather than a neighbourhood store.
What will it sell?
The only confirmed detail is “exclusive merchandise”. Based on how Pokémon shops in Japan and event pop-ups operate, it is reasonable to expect plush, clothing, homeware and Pokémon Trading Card Game products, plus items not sold elsewhere. However, Pokémon has not announced any London-exclusive cards, promos or sealed products. Be wary of social media posts or listings that claim otherwise before an official reveal.
What it means for UK card collectors
For collectors, a permanent shop could make it easier to buy official products in person, see items before buying and avoid import fees on goods that have previously been sold mainly in Japan. A London store could also become a regular community meeting point, which is something the announcement emphasises.
There are trade-offs to expect, too. Store-exclusive products often attract resellers, and launch periods for Pokémon shops elsewhere have been marked by long queues and purchase limits. If exclusive promo cards appear, early secondary-market prices are likely to be volatile. Our guides on how scalping affects collectors and how to value promotional cards explain why the first prices you see are rarely the ones that last.
How to prepare without overspending
The store is years away, so there is no need to rush. A few habits will serve you well when it opens:
- Follow official channels only. Watch Pokémon UK’s website and social accounts for the location, name and any booking system.
- Make a wish list now. A focused wish list stops opening-week excitement from turning into impulse buys.
- Learn to identify promos. Store-exclusive cards can look similar to main-set versions. Our guide to identifying Pokémon promo cards covers the key markings.
- Compare prices across countries. If an item is also sold abroad, compare total costs including shipping and fees before paying a resale premium.
- Wait for real sales data. As our FOMO guide explains, prices usually settle once early demand is met.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Pokémon store in London open?
The Pokémon Company says the London store is currently scheduled to open by 2029. No exact opening date has been announced yet.
Where will the London Pokémon store be?
The exact address has not been revealed. The Pokémon Company has only confirmed that the store will be in London, United Kingdom.
Is the London store a Pokémon Center?
Not officially. The announcement calls it a permanent, physical Pokémon store and does not use the Pokémon Center name used for the permanent shops in Japan. The store has not been named yet.
Is this really the first Pokémon store outside Asia?
Pokémon describes it as the brand’s first physical retail space outside Asia, and it will be the first of several permanent stores planned outside Asia. The one historical exception is Pokémon Center New York, which operated from 2001 to 2005 before becoming the Nintendo store.
Will the London Pokémon store sell Pokémon cards?
Pokémon has confirmed exclusive merchandise but has not published a product list. Pokémon shops usually stock trading card game products, so cards are likely, but specific exclusive sets or promo cards have not been announced.
Will there be other permanent Pokémon stores in Europe or the US?
London is the first of several permanent Pokémon stores planned outside Asia. The Pokémon Company has not yet named any other cities or dates.
Search Cards is an educational resource and is not affiliated with The Pokémon Company. Store details, opening dates and products may change. Check official Pokémon sources for the latest information, and use completed-sale evidence before you buy.
While you wait for the London store, compare current prices for sealed products and see sold values at every grade for cards in each set.
Sealed product prices → Card prices by set Search any card