The first Pokémon Center store opened in 1998.
The original store opened in Tokyo in April 1998, giving fans a dedicated retail destination for Pokémon merchandise. It was named after the Pokémon Centers in the games and anime, where Trainers can heal their Pokémon and manage their teams.
The first real-world Pokémon Center was part of the franchise’s rapid expansion after the success of the Game Boy games and the television series. Its products included toys, plush figures, clothing, stationery, and other branded goods. The original location later closed and Pokémon Center stores continued in other Japanese cities.
The term can cause confusion because “Pokémon Center” has two meanings. In the fictional world, it is a service facility found throughout the games. In the real world, it refers to official specialty shops. The retail chain later expanded beyond Japan, while Japan remained its main market.