Walmart Enforces Purchase Limits on Pokémon Trading Cards
As a notable development, Walmart has started implementing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card items customers can acquire during a single visit. This new rule was activated starting November 5th, based on an internal announcement distributed to employees.
Tackling Reseller Problems
While not officially confirmed by Walmart, numerous sources suggest this decision was prompted by a widely shared social media clip that depicted a customer buying a massive amount of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The store manager featured in the video faced widespread backlash for allowing 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 per store visit. Yet, the wording has sparked debate due to its vagueness. What exactly qualifies as a "box" is not defined, and whether someone could still purchase five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes remains ambiguous.
Additionally, because the restriction is tied to individual trips, theoretically an eager reseller could make multiple trips—buying five items each time—to gather large quantities throughout the day.
The Scalping Phenomenon
To most players, this approach might seem over the top, yet for resellers, it's common behavior. In recent years, speculators have greatly contributed to widespread shortages of Pokémon cards, spurred by the game's rising popularity.
Some resellers aim to sell unopened products for a profit, while others search for valuable pulls that can fetch extraordinary prices. For instance, the Mega Lucario ex card in recent releases has been listed at prices exceeding eight hundred dollars on various platforms.
Upcoming Releases
This policy change coincides with the imminent release of the Phantasmal Flames set, coming on November 14th. Pre-release sales indicate premium cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex listed for around fifteen hundred dollars, highlighting the persistent interest and likely scalper target.
With any luck, Walmart's restrictions will help reduce bulk purchases and increase access for genuine collectors and casual players alike.
