One Piece Card Game Expands European Footprint with New Stores and Strategic Partnerships

The popular One Piece Card Game is significantly expanding its reach across Europe through strategic partnerships and the establishment of new official retail locations. This expansion aims to bring the beloved Japanese trading card game closer to its growing fanbase, offering more opportunities for collecting, playing, and community engagement.

One Piece Card Game's European Expansion

Bandai Namco Amusement Europe is spearheading the physical expansion of the One Piece Card Game across the continent. This initiative includes opening new official pop-up stores and upgrading existing ones to permanent locations, providing dedicated spaces for fans.

Key developments include:

• Germany: The first official One Piece Card Game Pop-Up Store opened in Berlin on May 16th at Xperion Berlin, offering a physical hub for German fans.

• France: The One Piece Card Game Official Pop-Up Shop in Paris, located in Westfield Forum des Halles, is moving to a larger, permanent site within the same shopping center. This new location will feature 32 seats, accommodating more fans and community gatherings.

• United Kingdom: Existing official One Piece Card Game shops are already established in various UK locations, including Bandai Namco Cross Store Camden (London), Bandai Namco Cross Store Birmingham, North Street in Brighton, and Namco Funscape Metrocentre in Newcastle.

Rob Cook, Locations Based Operations director at Bandai Namco Amusement Europe, emphasized the commitment to bringing the game to major European cities with strong One Piece communities, highlighting Berlin as a culturally rich city with a thriving fanbase.

Strategic Partnerships for Distribution

Further bolstering the European presence, Timewitch and Tier One have announced a partnership to distribute popular Japanese Trading Card Games (TCGs), including One Piece cards, across Europe starting in September 2024.

• Timewitch's Role: Leveraging its extensive global network, particularly in Europe, Timewitch will focus on distributing and promoting Japanese TCGs in key markets such as France, Spain, and Italy.

• Tier One's Role: As a leading TCG retailer, Tier One will manage sales, events, and tournaments in these regions, fostering international exchange through TCGs.

This collaboration aims to meet the rising demand for Japanese TCGs linked to popular anime and manga, providing European fans with easier access to these beloved games. The initial focus will be on major European markets with a strong interest in Japanese content, with plans for future expansion.

Sources

• Bandai Namco Amusement Europe continues European expansion with One Piece - Toy World Magazine | The businessmagazine with a passion for toysToy World Magazine, Toy World Magazine.

• Pokémon and ONE PIECE Trading Cards Expand to Europe through Timewitch and Tier One Partnership, Japan Anime News powered by ORICON NEWS.