The retail giant Implements Buying Restrictions on Pokémon TCG Products
As a notable development, Walmart has begun enforcing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card items customers can buy during a single visit. This policy was activated as of early November, based on a company memo shared with employees.
Tackling Reseller Problems
While not officially confirmed by Walmart, many believe this decision was prompted by a viral TikTok video that depicted a customer purchasing a massive amount of Pokémon card items at a checkout counter. The store manager featured in the video faced widespread backlash for allowing the large-scale transaction to proceed.
Rule Specifics and Possible Weaknesses
The new restriction states that shoppers may only buy up to five trading card boxes or packs each time they enter. However, the language has sparked debate due to its vagueness. Precisely what qualifies as a "box" is not defined, and if someone could still purchase five premium Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain.
Moreover, because the restriction is tied to each visit, theoretically a determined scalper could return repeatedly—purchasing the maximum each time—to gather significant stocks over several hours.
The Reseller Crisis
For the average collector, this approach might seem excessive, but for scalpers, it's common behavior. Over the past few seasons, speculators have greatly contributed 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. As an example, a specific Mega Evolution card from the latest set has been listed for over $800 on various platforms.
Upcoming Releases
The new rule coincides with the imminent release of the latest Pokémon expansion, scheduled for November 14th. Early listings indicate chase cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex listed for nearly $1,500, highlighting the ongoing demand and potential scalper target.
Hopefully, the retail limits will curb mass buying and increase access for genuine collectors and casual players alike.
