Attention all trainers, Pikachu fans and collectible card game strategists! A wind of nostalgia and novelty is about to blow across France with the arrival of the very first official and permanent space of The Pokémon Company in Europe.
Since its creation in 1998 with the first generation of Pokémon, this franchise featuring Pikachu has become the most media-rich and lucrative in history. From schoolyards to ultra-competitive world championships, the craze for these creatures has never waned. Whether it’s the millions of trainers roaming the streets on Pokémon GO, the global madness around collectible cards or video games, Pokémon has spanned generations. More than just entertainment, it is a truly universal language that today unites tens of millions of fans in the four corners of the globe.
For several years, the toy market has been dominated by LEGO and strategic cards. “Today, strategic card games account for a little more than 10% of sales in France and this is mainly driven by Pokémon, which is the number 1 license, behind One Piece.“, explains Patrick Jocteur Monrozier, Director of Customer Divisions & Stores of the King Cadeau group. After having inaugurated Kidultes stores, a Sylvanian Family pop-up store and a Gashapon store in partnership with Bandai, King Cadeau is preparing to open a 250 square meter sales store entirely dedicated to the famous Pokémon. Note that certain collectible card stores do indeed exist in France, but this time it would be the very first official store The Pokémon Company to open in Europe.
It is in the city of Nantes that fans will be able to find all the Pokémon toys and cards grouped together in a single store. “It affects both children and adults, it seemed important to us in our desire to experience the profession of operator and different licensees to do something with the Pokémon Company“, confides Patrick Jocteur Monrozier. The inauguration date will take place at the end of August, beginning of September, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon license.
You will mainly find Pokémon collectible cards, strategic cards, as well as soft toys, toys and other derivative products that will delight young and old alike. On this occasion, fans will be able to find the special Pokémon TCG expansion.30th Anniversary”a revolutionary series with 100% shiny boosters which reserves no less than 30 exclusive illustrations of Pikachu to thrill the hearts of collectors!
