Walmart Enforces Buying Restrictions on Pokémon TCG Products
As a notable development, Walmart has started enforcing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card items customers can buy during one shopping trip. This new rule was activated as of early November, according to an internal announcement shared with employees.
Tackling Reseller Problems
Although not formally announced by Walmart, many believe this decision was prompted by a widely shared social media clip that showed a customer buying a massive amount of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The employee seen in the video received significant criticism for permitting the bulk transaction to proceed.
Policy Details and Potential Loopholes
The updated guideline 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. Precisely what counts as a "box" remains unclear, and whether someone could still purchase five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain.
Moreover, because the restriction is tied to each visit, theoretically an eager reseller could make multiple trips—purchasing the maximum each time—to gather significant stocks over several hours.
The Scalping Phenomenon
For the average collector, this approach might seem excessive, but for scalpers, 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.
Certain buyers seek to sell unopened products for a profit, whereas some search 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 on various platforms.
Upcoming Releases
This policy change aligns with the approaching launch of the Phantasmal Flames set, coming on November 14th. Pre-release sales indicate chase cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex being offered for around fifteen hundred dollars, emphasizing the ongoing demand and likely scalper target.
With any luck, Walmart's restrictions will curb mass buying and improve availability for true fans and everyday enthusiasts as well.
