Pokémon Set to Launch Major Retail Expansion in 2029

For Pokémon enthusiasts around the globe, the go-to source for Pokémon merchandise is online shopping. The Pokémon Center’s online store features a variety of exciting items, including a Halloween collection and exclusive merchandise created in partnership with the European Space Agency. In Japan, fans can explore numerous physical retail locations, while permanent Pokémon Centers are also found in Singapore and Taiwan, with a new one set to open in Thailand by the year’s end.

Recently, The Pokémon Company announced that London will be the site of the first permanent Pokémon store outside of Asia, slated to open by 2029. This store will offer a diverse selection of merchandise and unique experiences for Trainers of all ages.

“This new London store will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the Pokémon universe, whether they’re new to the brand or seasoned Trainers,” said Gaku Susai, chief product and experience officer at The Pokémon Company International. “We aim to create a space where everyone can come together, feel part of a community, and experience the magic of Pokémon in an entirely new way.”

The announcement highlighted that this London location will be the first of several permanent Pokémon stores planned for outside Asia, with more details to come. While various countries have hosted pop-up stores in the past, New York had a permanent location in the early 2000s before it transitioned to the general Nintendo Store. As someone who lives just a short subway ride from the Nintendo Store, I wouldn’t mind at all if a Pokémon store opened nearby in the near future.

This year has been fantastic for Pokémon fans, especially with the franchise celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026. The release of Pokémon Pokopialaunched earlier this year has been met with enthusiastic reviews, and fans enjoyed a wave of nostalgia with the arrival of ports for Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch. A plethora of merchandise has also hit the shelves, including a mini Pokémon jukebox, a giant Snorlax rug, luggage designed for Pokémon plushies, Lego sets, Pokémon Polaroid cameras, Pokémon-themed shoes, and much more.

Gotta logo ’em all!