New Pokémon reflecting S'pore's 'unique charm' to be introduced after Jewel Changi Airport outlet reopens

Fans of Pokémon will soon have to bid farewell, temporarily, to the Pokémon Center Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport.

The popular retail outlet will shut from Apr. 1 to undergo renovation works, with plans to reopen in the third quarter of 2026, Pokémon Singapore announced on Mar. 2.

Singapore-inspired makeover

When it reopens, the refreshed store will showcase a distinctly Singapore-inspired design concept, CNA reported.

According to Pokémon Singapore, the revamped space will incorporate installations drawing from local heritage, alongside interior elements influenced by everyday Singaporean culture.

The renewal aims to transform the outlet into a destination that resonates more deeply with fans here.

Visitors can also expect a broader range of merchandise and new retail experiences.

Limited edition items will be part of the refreshed offering, and a new symbolic Pokémon, specially chosen to reflect Singapore’s unique charm, will make its debut during the reopening.

Managing director Shunsuke Sasaki described the renewal as a significant milestone for the brand.

He said the team was grateful for the continued support from fans in Singapore over the past seven years, adding that Pokémon had become an increasingly meaningful part of daily life for many here.

Pop-up stores to operate during closure

In the meantime, fans need not worry about missing out on their favourite plush toys or trading cards.

Pokémon Singapore will operate temporary pop-up stores at Jewel Changi Airport and Plaza Singapura during the renovation period.

The Jewel pop-up, located at the South Gateway Garden on Level 2, will open on Apr. 1.

A second outlet at Plaza Singapura, situated on Level 1, will begin operations on Apr. 6.

Both locations will offer selected merchandise for approximately three months.

First major revamp outside Japan

The upcoming overhaul marks the first time a Pokémon Center outside Japan will undergo a major renewal of this scale.

Pokémon Singapore said the move underscores its commitment to establishing deeper roots in the country and evolving the shopping experience into one that feels distinctly local, reported The Straits Times.

The Singapore outlet first opened in April 2019 and was the brand’s first permanent outpost outside Japan.

Since then, it has regularly drawn long queues of shoppers, particularly during launches of exclusive trading card packs and limited-edition merc].

Top images via pokemonofficial.sg/Instagram, Google maps