The retail giant Introduces Purchase Limits on Pokémon TCG Products
In a significant move, Walmart has started implementing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card items customers can buy during one shopping trip. This policy was activated as of early November, according to a company memo shared with employees.
Tackling Reseller Problems
While not officially confirmed by Walmart, many believe this decision was prompted by a widely shared social media clip that showed a customer buying an enormous quantity of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The store manager seen in the video received widespread backlash for allowing the large-scale transaction to go through.
Policy Details and Potential Loopholes
The new restriction states that shoppers may only buy a maximum of five trading card boxes or packs each time they enter. However, the language has raised questions due to its lack of clarity. What exactly qualifies as a "box" remains unclear, and if someone could still purchase five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes remains ambiguous.
Additionally, because the restriction is based on each visit, in theory an eager reseller could return repeatedly—buying five items each time—to gather large quantities over several hours.
The Scalping Phenomenon
To most players, this approach might seem excessive, but for scalpers, it's standard practice. In recent years, scalpers have greatly contributed to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, driven by the game's rising popularity.
Some resellers seek to sell unopened products for a profit, while others hunt for rare cards that can command extraordinary prices. 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 coincides with the imminent release of the Phantasmal Flames set, scheduled for November 14th. Pre-release sales indicate chase cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex being offered for around fifteen hundred dollars, emphasizing the persistent interest and likely scalper target.
Hopefully, Walmart's restrictions will help reduce bulk purchases and increase access for true fans and casual players alike.
