The Japanese video game giant is preparing to conquer the heart of London with an initiative that promises to make the heart of British fans stronger. In fact, Nintendo will open the doors of a temporary shop in the Westfield shopping center in Shepherd’s Bush, bringing a selection of the official merchandising that was so far available only in the permanent flagship stores of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, San Francisco and New York for the first time. The operation represents an important test to evaluate the interest of the European market towards the brand’s physical products.
From 22 October to 16 November, the Londoners will be able to immerse themselves in a universe made of exclusive collectibles, keychain, pins and pendants that celebrate the most loved sagas of the Kyoto house. The temporary shop will find a place on the ground floor of the shopping center, right in front of the LEGO store, in a strategic position that will guarantee maximum visibility to visitors.
The Nintendo strategy includes two distinct phases to manage the turnout: the first five days, from 22 to 26 October, will be accessible exclusively through tickets that can be booked online, while from 27 October until the closing the entrance will be free for everyone. This mode reflects the approach already adopted for the launches of particularly awaited products, allowing you to avoid excessive queues and guarantee a more pleasant purchasing experience.
The assortment promises to satisfy the nostalgic as well as fans of the most recent series. Alongside the inevitable Super Mario and Donkey Kong, who for decades have accompanied generations of players, products will also find products dedicated to The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, Splatoon and the tender Kirby. The selection will include clothing, fashionable bags and home objects, all characterized by the distinctive design that has made Nintendo characters recognizable all over the world.
The Japanese company wanted to specify that it is the same type of exclusive merchandising available in permanent Japanese stores, a rarity for the European market that had so far had to settle for online purchases or overseas travel. This move could represent the first step towards the opening of stable stores also in Europe, following the already consolidated model with five permanent stores between Japan and the United States.
To access the exclusive opening week, it will be necessary to register through the official social channels of Nintendo UK, where all the operational details will be provided. A dedicated Twitter account, @nintendoppupuk, will serve as a reference point for updates and specific information on the event.
The access rules are quite precise: to register it is necessary to be 18 years old and have a nintendo account. Those who intend to participate in a group will have to make sure that all members have connected accounts to the same \
