Permanent Pokemon Center opens at Nihonbashi Takashimaya Tokyo
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Japanese fans can step into a whole world of Pokemon in a new experiential store in Tokyo.
The Pokemon Center brings the game franchise to life with a range of Pokemon merchandise on sale. This is the Japanese franchise’s third Pokemon Center, and by far its largest with 1300sqm of floor space. It is also the first to include a cafe, which offers a range of foods including themed curries and pancakes in the shape of the Pokemon character Pikachu.
Located inside the Nihonbashi Takashimaya Department store, it serves as another example of how traditional department stores are embracing new experiential concepts to make up for declining sales in traditional categories.
The store opened yesterday and a special promotion will run until April 22 offering shoppers giveaways, including assets to use in the smartphone-based Pokemon game.
Merchandise on sale at the Pokemon Center include soft toys and accessories.
Earlier stores are in Sapporo, which was recently upgraded, and at the Tokyo Skytree complex, which opened in July 2016.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is unique about the new Pokemon Center compared to previous Japanese locations?
What is unique about the new Pokemon Center compared to previous Japanese locations?
This is the largest Pokemon Center in Japan, boasting 1300sqm of floor space. It is also the first to feature an integrated cafe, serving themed food like Pikachu-shaped pancakes and curries.
Q.When did the new Pokemon Center open and what special offers are available?
When did the new Pokemon Center open and what special offers are available?
The new Pokemon Center opened yesterday. A special promotion is running until April 22, offering shoppers various giveaways, including in-game assets for the smartphone Pokemon game.
Q.Where are the other permanent Pokemon Centers located in Japan?
Where are the other permanent Pokemon Centers located in Japan?
The other permanent Pokemon Centers in Japan are in Sapporo, which recently underwent an upgrade, and at the Tokyo Skytree complex, which first opened its doors in July 2016.
Q.How does the Pokemon Center fit into current retail trends?
How does the Pokemon Center fit into current retail trends?
The store is an example of how traditional department stores are adopting new experiential concepts. This strategy aims to counteract declining sales experienced in their more conventional product categories.
Reader pulse
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