What was the first official Pokémon merchandise store called?

The first official Pokémon merchandise store was called Pokémon Center.

The first Pokémon Center opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, on July 18, 1998. It sold Pokémon-themed merchandise and helped establish the dedicated retail format that later expanded across Japan. The stores were initially connected with Pokémon Center Co., Ltd., a company formed by Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak.

Pokémon Centers are not the same as Poké Marts. Poké Marts are fictional shops inside the video games, where players buy items such as Poké Balls and Potions. Pokémon Centers in the games are healing locations, while real-world Pokémon Centers are retail stores and fan destinations.

The business structure also evolved. Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. was founded in 1998, then expanded and was renamed The Pokémon Company in 2000 to manage the wider franchise. Today, Pokémon Center stores remain strongly associated with official merchandise, regional exclusives, plush toys, trading cards, games, and special events.