The retail giant Implements Buying Restrictions on Pokémon Trading Cards
As a notable development, Walmart has started enforcing strict limits on how many Pokémon trading card items customers can acquire during one shopping trip. This new rule was activated starting November 5th, according to a company memo shared with employees.
Addressing Scalper Activity
Although not formally announced by Walmart, many believe this decision was influenced by a widely shared social media clip that showed a customer purchasing a massive amount of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The employee featured in the video faced significant criticism for permitting the bulk transaction to proceed.
Rule Specifics and Possible Weaknesses
The new restriction states that shoppers may only buy a maximum of five trading card boxes or packs each time they enter. Yet, the wording has raised questions due to its vagueness. What exactly counts as a "box" remains unclear, and whether someone could still purchase five premium Elite Trainer Boxes remains ambiguous.
Moreover, because the restriction is based on each visit, theoretically a determined scalper could return repeatedly—purchasing the maximum each time—to accumulate large quantities throughout the day.
The Reseller Crisis
To most players, such efforts might seem over the top, yet for resellers, it's common behavior. In recent years, scalpers have greatly contributed to widespread shortages of Pokémon cards, spurred by the TCG's growing fame.
Some resellers seek to sell unopened products at a markup, whereas some search for valuable pulls that can fetch extraordinary prices. As an example, the Mega Lucario ex card in recent releases is currently selling for over $800 on various platforms.
Upcoming Releases
This policy change aligns with the approaching launch of the latest Pokémon expansion, scheduled for November 14th. Pre-release sales already show chase cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex listed for around fifteen hundred dollars, emphasizing the persistent interest 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.
