We believe that all toy enthusiasts, just like us, have been eagerly anticipating the news of Pokémon Center's second overseas branch landing in Taiwan! Finally, 'Pokémon Center TAIPEI' grandly opened on December 8th (Friday) at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi Place A11! The numerous commemorative items released to celebrate the opening of Pokémon Center TAIPEI caused a frenzy among Pokémon fans! Today, our Toy Expedition Team will take you on an exclusive sneak peek to experience the irresistible charm of Pokémon!★
▼Numerous media outlets arrived bright and early, and the atmosphere was incredibly high-spirited!
Upon entering the store, you are warmly greeted by the super adorable Dragonite and Pikachu, accompanied by special video effects on the background LED screen created specifically for the Taipei store. We started screaming even before stepping inside! It's definitely a must-photograph and check-in spot! Stepping into the store, the overall design evokes an island landscape, surrounded by the imagery of sky and sea. The dazzling array of merchandise is overwhelming, with two pillars and surrounding walls filled with plush toys, featuring a complete range of characters, each one cuteness overload!
The Paldea region's starter Pokémon are also in the center!
The grand opening exclusive merchandise series launched by Pokémon Center TAIPEI draws inspiration from "Taiwanese night markets and fruits," bringing to life the lively atmosphere of familiar night market stalls and Pokémon joyfully surrounded by tropical fruits. In addition to plush toys like Giorno Pikachu, Jigglypuff with a loop-handle bag, Bounsweet Dragonite, and Teddiursa with a bubble tea, there are also teapots and teacups for enjoying delicious Taiwanese tea, as well as a variety of Taiwan-themed items designed to complement Taiwan's takeout culture, such as bento bags, drink sleeves, eco-bags, and reusable straws with covers, allowing Pokémon fans to have Pokémon by their side at all times!
The pure gold Pokémon emblem, sold via lottery, is also a major highlight of this grand opening merchandise!
The Pokémon EasyCard—Pokémon Center TAIPEI edition is also a super popular limited-purchase item~~
The store also features a Pokémon series game video area and a Pokémon Trading Card Game battle area! Although it's guaranteed to be packed with queues after the opening...
The staff are in uniform, wearing red and purple ties respectively. Pokémon Center, ready for business!
One last look at the Pokémon Center LOGO before leaving, it's too cute, we can't bear to leave!
Finally, at the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Taipei-exclusive Pikachu wearing pineapple glasses made a surprise appearance! The entire crowd erupted in cheers~ We look forward to future fan meet-and-greet sessions for photo opportunities!
【Pokémon Center TAIPEI】
Address: Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi Place A11, 3F (No. 11, Songshou Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City)
Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00-21:30; Friday-Saturday 11:00-22:00
※Subject to Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi Place's operating hours.
And that concludes our Toy Expedition Team's exclusive sneak peek at Pokémon Center TAIPEI! The queue on that day was absolutely astounding, practically jamming the entire Xinyi Shin Kong Mitsukoshi commercial district. Although there were quite a few elderly individuals in the line, the immense love and passion Taiwanese people have for Pokémon were palpable! To prevent reselling at inflated prices, most of the Taipei store's exclusive merchandise has a purchase limit of one per person. Currently, entry also requires queueing in advance to receive entry tickets, so toy enthusiasts planning to visit need to pay close attention! This craze is bound to continue for a while, so if you're a toy enthusiast who prefers to avoid crowds, it might be best to visit a bit later!