In a nutshell
A store for Pokemon game collectors - to buy, sell, exchange cards and accessories. All wrapped in a diner-style space that's made to hang out.
In their words
"The Poké Court is your one-stop shop for all things Pokémon cards and card accessories, as well as Pokémon-inspired lifestyle goods and curated artist creations!
We're a group of friends who grew up watching Pokémon on Saturday mornings and trading cards during recess. We rediscovered the joy of Pokémon as adults and started The Poké Court to share our love of Pokémon with others."
Brand Background
The Poke Court is a specialized Pokémon card shop and community hub founded in New York City, known for its unique blend of card retail, collector culture, and playful in-store experiences. Established in June 2023 by Courtney, who left a career in finance to pursue her passion for Pokémon, The Poke Court began as a side-hustle in a spare bedroom before quickly evolving into a secretive 300-square-foot office space popular with serious collectors and fans. After hosting a highly successful three-day SoHo pop-up—attracting over 4,000 fans—the brand gained a cult following for its viral “red envelopes” and trading nights, which inspired a move to a large 2,000-square-foot flagship store in Chelsea, near the Meatpacking District, in late 2025.
The Poke Court is woman-owned, minority-owned, and run by a deeply passionate team of collectors and players, which informs both its product selection and community events. The flagship location offers innovative features such as a “Pack Bar” concierge, card walls, “Ripping Corner” for pack opening, a VIP lounge for top collectors, trading events, vintage box breaks, and themed parties. The brand also sells Pokémon-inspired lifestyle products, curated artist collaborations, and exclusive merchandise. The Poke Court’s mission is to recreate the joy and accessibility of Pokémon collecting for adults and new generations alike, emphasizing community, diversity, and nostalgia as core values.
Visit Field notes
This store makes a statement since it's surrounded by luxury, cobble-stone flagships of major brands (Leica is next door, Dior, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton etc are a short stone's throw away). This is a newly renovated, Crittal-windowed oblong box of post-industrial space that's been given a 'diner' vibe.
The front of the store is a mooching area. A sort of 'holding and sitting' pen for the fans to finish their bubble teas, take photos and think about the next stage. Then the store takes you through a card bar, accessories, and vintage collectibles, to the trade (exchange, sell) area at the back.
The decor is 50% tech shop, 50% diner, but all about fun. From seasoned, lifelong collectors, to kids accompanied by parents, the store has a welcoming "come all" vibe.
Checkout
- The trading bar
- the events and opening cards - something of the "willy wonka golden ticket" energy
- the front social area
- the knowledge of the staff about the cards, verification and authenticity
Other Reading
Time Out's review of the store opening in November 2025 is here.
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