Pokémon to Open First Permanent Store Outside Asia — in London

The Pokémon Company International has confirmed plans to open the franchise's first permanent retail store outside Asia in London, with an opening target of 2029. The exact location within the city has not yet been disclosed. The store is promised to carry exclusive merchandise and one-of-a-kind experiences for fans of all ages.

Gaku Susai, chief product and experience officer at The Pokémon Company International, said the store will give visitors the chance to step into the world of Pokémon, whether they are discovering the brand for the first time or have been fans for years, and expressed hope it will become a place where everyone can feel part of a community.

London has previously hosted a series of temporary Pokémon pop-ups at venues including Stratford's ExCel centre and the Natural History Museum. Those fleeting stores routinely attracted hours-long queues, underlining appetite for a permanent presence. The Science Museum is also currently running a free Pokémon space trail, open until January. The announcement was made on 21 October, and The Pokémon Company International noted that additional stores in other parts of the world are also planned.