The retail giant Enforces Purchase Limits on Pokémon TCG Products
As a notable development, Walmart has started enforcing strict limits on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can acquire during a single visit. This policy was activated starting November 5th, according to an internal announcement shared with employees.
Addressing Scalper Activity
While not officially confirmed by Walmart, numerous sources suggest this decision was prompted by a viral TikTok video that depicted a customer buying a massive amount of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The store manager featured in the video faced widespread backlash for allowing the large-scale transaction to go through.
Policy Details and Potential Loopholes
The new restriction specifies that shoppers may only buy a maximum of five trading card packs or boxes each time they enter. Yet, the wording has raised questions due to its lack of clarity. Precisely what qualifies as a "box" is not defined, and if someone could still purchase five premium Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain.
Additionally, since the limit is tied to individual trips, theoretically an eager reseller could return repeatedly—buying five items each time—to accumulate significant stocks throughout the day.
The Scalping Phenomenon
For the average collector, this approach might seem over the top, yet for resellers, it's standard practice. Over the past few seasons, speculators have significantly added to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, driven by the game's rising popularity.
Certain buyers seek to sell unopened products for a profit, while others hunt for rare cards that can command sky-high values. As an example, the Mega Lucario ex card in recent releases has been listed for over $800 on various platforms.
Upcoming Releases
This policy change aligns with the approaching launch of the Phantasmal Flames set, scheduled for November 14th. Early listings indicate chase cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex being offered for around fifteen hundred dollars, emphasizing the ongoing demand and potential scalper target.
Hopefully, Walmart's restrictions will help reduce bulk purchases and improve availability for genuine collectors and everyday enthusiasts alike.
