With the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield just under a month away, a brand new Pokemon Center has opened in the United Kingdom, the inspiration behind Sword and Shield's Galar region. Located in Shepherd's Bush, London, the pop-up Poke-shop will be open for business until November 15, 2019, when the new games arrive on Nintendo Switch. Not only will the store be a treasure trove of plush and plastic, Pokemon Go players will see an increase of certain Pokemon in the area, with Psyduck, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, and Combee, to name a few, showing up in the London Westfield shopping centre. We were invited by The Pokemon Company to preview the new store before it opened, and check out all the goodies on offer for fans to buy. The star, of course, being Pikachu in its London City outfit - which was too cute to not take one home with us. Welcome!
Smiling staff await thousands of Pokemon fans over the coming weeks. Umbrella
Essential for Pokemon catching in the United Kingdom, shelter from the rain under this London Pokemon Center umbrella. Room for one more? Tote Bag
Perfect for carrying your Pokemon plushes on the go, this sophisticated tote bag features an ornate Pikachu, Mewtwo, and Mew design. Assorted Stickers
We can't encourage you to paste these London Pikachu stickers around Piccadilly Circus, but we won't stop you, either. Celebration Cards
Pokemon stationary, presumably to write to friends asking for money after you've bankrupted yourself on Pikachu plushies. Mug
Nothing better than a good cup of tea, especially if it's in this London Pokemon Center Mug. Mini Journals
Perhaps you can keep notes on your adventures through the Galar region of Pokemon Sword and Shield in these handy notebooks. London City Pikachu Plush
The pièce de résistance, London City Pikachu is certainly a dapper looking fellow. London City Pikachu Plush
This extremely exclusive plush is limited to one per customer. Pokemon Trading Card Game Playmat
Pokemon Trading Card Game fans will definitely want to add this London-themed Pokemon playmat to their collection. Pokemon Trading Card Game Sleeves
And you can't have a playmat without some new card sleeves, right? Pin Badge
This pin badge features the ornate design we've seen on a couple of the other products, and we think this would make a mighty fine addition to any pin collection. Chilly's Water Bottle
What's better than a Chilly's water bottle? A Chilly's water bottle with Pikachu on it. Stay hydrated. Fleece Blanket
Just in time for Winter, get cosy with Pikachu and pals under this fleece blanket. London Pokemon Poster
This London Pokemon art is amazing, so of course you can buy it on a poster. Assorted Plush Toys
Pikachu wasn't the only star of the show, the London Pokemon Center also had a menagerie of popular Pokemon plushes. Scorbunny Plush
Now the difficult decision of which starter to choose. Will it be Scorbunny? Grookey Plush
Or maybe Grookey is more your cup of tea. Sobble Plush
It would be sad to not choose Sobble. How about all three? Galar First Partner Backpack
A Pokemon Sword and Shield backpack, because you're going to need somewhere to put all this stuff. Galar First Partner Backpack
Up close, the bag is detailed with the three Galarian starters from Pokemon Sword and Shield, and aren't they just the cutest? Grookey Key Chain
There was also a trio of key chains to choose from. Scorbunny Key Chain
Scorbunny could surely be trusted to keep your keys safe? Sobble Key Chain
Sobble has a key chain too, may be slippery when wet. Sobble Mug
More drinkware, because tea. Or is this for Sobble's tears? Grookey Mug
This Grookey mug would be perfect for herbal tea. Scorbunny Mug
Will Scorbunny keep my drink warm? Galar Starter Hoodies
Match your starter in style with these Galar hoodies. Scorbunny Hoody
The fire-type starter emblazoned on this hoody is sure to turn heads. Grookey Hoody
Green, but not particularly mean, is this Grookey hoody. Sobble Hoody
Never wonder what to wear on a blue Monday ever again. Pikachu Mug
This cheeky Pikachu mug will be the star of your office kitchen, so write your name on it. Assorted Pokemon Merchandise
The new game may be set in Galar, but there was plenty of Kanto merch on display at the London Pokemon Center. Pokemon Sitting Cuties Plush
The Sitting Cuties series of plush are seriously cute, and they sit, what more do you want? Pokemon Trading Card Game
Check yourself before you deck yourself? I don't know, we're like thirty five images deep now. Pokemon Trading Card Game
Bling out your deck with these various Pokemon Trading Card Game supplies. Pokemon Center London Hoody And T-Shirt
Stay fresh in these cool Pokemon Center London tops. Pokemon Center London T-Shirts
There were some great t-shirt designs on display, one for each day of the week? Pokemon Center London T-Shirts
We're a big fan of the manga-inspired design on the right. Pokemon Hoody And Accessories
Yes, you can dress from head to toe in Pikachu-themed merchandise. London Pikachu Socks
Look dapper like Pikachu with these colorful socks. Pokemon Beanie Hat
This knitted beanie hat will make you look the part when you're catching Pokemon on the go. Pikachu Cap
For when the weather warms up, it'll stop glare in your eyes, but not the screen on your Switch. Detective Pikachu Plush Toys And Art Book
The star of Detective Pikachu also made an appearance, along with his co-stars. Detective Pikachu Psyduck Plush
Cuddly toys may reduce headaches. Detective Pikachu Hat (With Ears)
Paint yourself yellow and put this on before you solve crimes. Nintendo Switch
You're going to need a Switch to play the new games on after all. Pokemon Sword And Shield
Head upstairs and you can play a demo of Pokemon Sword and Shield, with a special deal for those who pre-order in-store. Will you be making the pilgrimage to London? Well if this wasn't enough Pokemon content for one day, you can read about why choosing your starter in Pokemon Sword and Shield is an emotional experience, and read up on all the differences between the two versions releasing this November.
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