Overview
- The Pokémon Company announced on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, that a permanent Pokémon retail store will open in London by 2029 and that it is the first of several permanent stores planned outside Asia.
- The company says the London location will offer exclusive merchandise and “one-of-a-kind” in-person experiences designed to serve as a community destination for fans of all ages.
- The announcement did not name the exact London site or give a specific opening date within the 2029 window, and the company’s statement did not use the established “Pokémon Center” branding.
- Fans reacted with excitement about a permanent international location and frustration over the multi-year wait, and the store could boost local foot traffic to events and tourism tied to Pokémon merchandise.
- The plan builds on a long retail history for the brand: permanent Pokémon Centers are concentrated in Japan and parts of Asia, New York hosted a Pokémon Center from 2001–2005, and frequent UK pop-ups and an existing UK fulfilment operation helped make London a logical first pick.