The retail giant Introduces Buying Restrictions on Pokémon Trading Cards
In a significant move, Walmart has begun enforcing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card items customers can acquire during one shopping trip. This new rule was activated as of early November, based on an internal announcement distributed to employees.
Addressing Scalper Activity
Although not formally announced by Walmart, numerous sources suggest this decision was influenced by a viral TikTok video that showed a customer buying an enormous quantity of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The employee seen in the video received widespread backlash for permitting the bulk transaction to proceed.
Policy Details and Potential Loopholes
The new restriction states that shoppers may only buy up to five trading card boxes or packs each time they enter. However, the wording has raised questions due to its vagueness. What exactly counts as a "box" is not defined, and whether someone could still purchase five premium Elite Trainer Boxes remains ambiguous.
Moreover, because the restriction is tied to individual trips, in theory an eager reseller could make multiple trips—purchasing the maximum each time—to accumulate significant stocks over several hours.
The Scalping Phenomenon
For the average collector, this approach might seem excessive, yet for resellers, it's standard practice. Over the past few seasons, scalpers have significantly added to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, spurred by the game's rising popularity.
Certain buyers aim to sell unopened products at a markup, whereas some hunt for valuable pulls that can command sky-high values. For instance, the Mega Lucario ex card from the latest set has been listed for over $800 in online marketplaces.
Upcoming Releases
The new rule aligns with the approaching launch of the Phantasmal Flames set, coming on November 14th. Pre-release sales indicate chase cards like the Charizard mega evolution being offered for nearly $1,500, emphasizing the ongoing demand and potential scalper target.
Hopefully, the retail limits will curb bulk purchases and improve availability for genuine collectors and everyday enthusiasts alike.
