Pokémon Centers are expanding into a new region, with a new location set to open later this year. The Pokémon Company’s official retail outlet currently has brick-and-mortar locations in two countries, in addition to its onilne store: 19 Pokémon Centers are scattered around Japan, and there’s one in Singapore. Its former US location at Rockefeller Center in New York closed in 2005 to be rebranded as Nintendo New York.
In recent years, the Pokémon Center has expanded its reach, with five new locations opening since 2020 alone (all of them in Japan). Now, they’re expanding even further into a new country, although it’s still a bit of a hike for fans in the West.
According to the Thai Enquirer on X (formerly Twitter), a new Pokémon Center retail store is set to open in Bangkok, Thailand before the end of 2026. The store will be located at the CentralWorld shopping plaza within Bangkok’s Siam district, a region known for its retail outlets.
As the Thai Enquirer notes, this will be the second Pokémon Center in Southeast Asia after Singapore, and only the second still open outside Japan. Like other Pokémon Centers, it’ll offer Pokémon merchandise, including plush toys and collectibles. The Pokémon Center is also expected to serve as a hub for competitions and other fan events.
At an official announcement by Thai retail property developer Central Pattana, two Pikachu mascots appeared in traditional Thai costume, prompting the Thai Enquirer to speculate about exclusive regional merch. Many of the physical locations offer locally themed merch, and the Nintendo retail outlet in New York famously sells a Pikachu plush dressed as the Statue of Liberty.
Further details of the Bangkok Pokémon Center are expected to be revealed later in the year, including a finalized opening date, full product lineup, list store features, and events calendar if applicable.
Although it still may be a ways away from a dedicated Pokémon retail outlet in the West, it’s nice to see a willingness to expand outward — and if the Bangkok location offers official merch, I can’t wait to see it.
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