Walmart Introduces Buying Restrictions on Pokémon TCG Products
In a significant move, Walmart has started 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, according to an internal announcement distributed to employees.
Tackling Reseller Problems
Although not formally announced by Walmart, numerous sources suggest this decision was prompted by a widely shared social media clip that depicted a customer buying an enormous quantity 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 proceed.
Rule Specifics and Possible Weaknesses
The new restriction specifies that shoppers may only buy a maximum of five trading card packs or boxes per store visit. However, the wording has raised questions due to its lack of clarity. Precisely what qualifies as a "box" is not defined, and whether someone could still purchase five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes remains ambiguous.
Moreover, because the restriction is tied to each visit, in theory an eager reseller could make multiple trips—purchasing the maximum each time—to gather significant stocks over several hours.
The Reseller Crisis
For the average collector, this approach might seem excessive, yet for resellers, it's common behavior. Over the past few seasons, scalpers have greatly contributed to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, driven by the TCG's growing fame.
Some resellers aim to sell unopened products for a profit, whereas some hunt for rare cards that can command sky-high values. For instance, the Mega Lucario ex card from the latest set is currently selling at prices exceeding eight hundred dollars in online marketplaces.
Upcoming Releases
The new rule coincides with the approaching launch of the Phantasmal Flames set, coming on November 14th. Early listings indicate chase cards like the Charizard mega evolution being offered for nearly $1,500, emphasizing the persistent interest and likely scalper target.
With any luck, Walmart's restrictions will help reduce mass buying and improve availability for true fans and casual players as well.