Czechia's first official Pokémon store opens to queues in Prague this weekend

In a momentous occasion that sent ripples of excitement through the hearts of Czech Pokémon aficionados, the only official Pokémon Store in the Czech Republic opened its doors at the Luxor Palace Bookstore on Wenceslas Square in Prague this Sunday. Over a hundred fans gathered outside the store, eagerly awaiting its grand opening.

While Pokémon-themed merchandise can be found in various retail outlets, what sets this store apart is its official license from The Pokémon Company, making it unique for Pokémon enthusiasts in Czechia. This is the second official Pokémon Store in Europe, the first is located in London.

The Pokémon franchise has a rich history that spans decades, with generations of fans having grown up collecting Pokémon cards since its inception in the 1990s.

In 2016, the franchise took a leap into the world of augmented reality with the release of the wildly popular mobile game Pokémon Go. This game allowed players to explore the real world while hunting for virtual Pokémon creatures, revolutionizing the way fans interacted with the beloved franchise.

The game took off in Czechia and was associated with a couple of interesting incidents: one in which a gamer, discovering two lifeless bodies, was able to alert the police and save the lives of the men who were passed out near the road's edge.

A second incident had a less positive outcome: a tram driver was cited for driving while catching Pokémon.

The Luxor Palace website advertised a plethora of activities for visitors during the grand opening, including the opportunity to shop for exclusive Pokémon gifts, participate in engaging quizzes and coloring activities, and the chance to secure an autograph from none other than the 2021 Pokémon TCG World Champion, Ondrej Škubal.