Walmart Introduces Purchase Limits on Pokémon TCG Products
In a significant move, Walmart has started implementing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can acquire during one shopping trip. This policy was activated as of early November, based on a company memo shared with employees.
Addressing Scalper Activity
While not officially confirmed by Walmart, numerous sources suggest this decision was influenced by a widely shared social media clip that showed a customer buying a massive amount of Pokémon card items at a checkout counter. The employee featured in the video received widespread backlash for permitting 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 boxes or packs each time they enter. However, the wording has raised questions due to its vagueness. Precisely what qualifies as a "box" is not defined, and if someone could buy five premium Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain.
Moreover, since the limit is based on each visit, theoretically an eager reseller could make multiple trips—purchasing the maximum each time—to accumulate large quantities throughout the day.
The Reseller Crisis
For the average collector, this approach might seem excessive, yet for resellers, it's common behavior. In recent years, speculators have greatly contributed to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, spurred by the game's rising popularity.
Certain buyers seek to sell unopened products for a profit, while others hunt for rare cards that can fetch sky-high values. For instance, the Mega Lucario ex card in recent releases has been listed for over $800 in online marketplaces.
Looking Ahead
This policy change coincides with the approaching launch of the latest Pokémon expansion, scheduled for November 14th. Pre-release sales indicate chase cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex being offered for nearly $1,500, emphasizing the ongoing demand and potential scalper target.
With any luck, the retail limits will curb bulk purchases and improve availability for true fans and casual players alike.
