Pokémon Center SINGAPORE to reopen at Jewel Changi with first major redesign outside Japan

Singapore – After weeks behind construction hoardings at Jewel Changi Airport, Pokémon Center SINGAPORE is preparing for a return that goes well beyond a cosmetic refresh.

The official Pokémon store will reopen on 1 July following its first full-scale renovation since opening in 2019, marking the first major Pokémon Center redesign outside Japan. 

The updated space leans heavily into Singapore-inspired design cues, new event-focused experiences, and a fresh visual identity led by the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo.

At the entrance, visitors will be greeted by installations featuring Solgaleo and Pikachu against a backdrop inspired by Singapore’s skyline. 

Solgaleo, recognisable by its sun-like mane, now serves as the symbol Pokémon for Pokémon Center SINGAPORE and appears across the store façade and updated branding.

“We chose Solgaleo as our new symbol because we want this store to be more deeply rooted in Singapore,” said Shunsuke Sasaki, Managing Director of Pokémon Singapore. “This is not just a grand reopening, but a commitment to elevate the store experience by transforming Pokémon Center SINGAPORE into a place where people from all walks of life can come to love Pokémon, and where fans can connect globally.”

Beyond the retail floor, Pokémon Singapore is also building out a dedicated event space equipped for video game, trading card game, and app-related activities. 

Positioned at the rear of the store, the area is designed to host community gatherings and tournaments as Singapore continues cementing itself as Southeast Asia’s fandom capital, somewhere between anime convention circuit and Changi transit lounge.

Commemorative merchandise tied to the reopening will roll out in phases, beginning with 12 Special Edition products available from launch day. 

The collection includes plush toys featuring Solgaleo and Pikachu, as well as merchandise inspired by Singapore’s kopi culture. 

Additional items, including a Pikachu-themed bag charm and kopi cup-inspired products, will follow in August.

Pokémon Singapore said the store interior also incorporates design references drawn from Singapore’s cultural identity, creating what it described as a more localised experience for fans and tourists alike.

Meanwhile, crowd management measures suggest organisers are preparing for heavy turnout during opening week. 

From 1 to 5 July, entry between 10am and 1pm will require advance reservations through the Store Visit Application system, while same-day queue tickets will be distributed onsite from 8.30am daily.

The reopening also reinforces Jewel Changi Airport’s growing role as Singapore’s unofficial fandom district. 

In recent months, the complex has hosted everything from LEGO botanical showcases to immersive pop-culture activations, turning the airport mall into a battleground for tourist attention and Gen Z spending.