The retail giant Enforces Buying Restrictions on Pokémon Trading Cards
As a notable development, Walmart has begun implementing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can acquire during a single visit. This new rule officially takes effect starting November 5th, according to a company memo shared with employees.
Addressing Scalper Activity
While not officially confirmed by Walmart, numerous sources suggest this decision was prompted by a viral TikTok video that depicted a customer purchasing a massive amount of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The store manager seen in the video received significant criticism for allowing the bulk transaction to proceed.
Rule Specifics and Possible Weaknesses
The updated guideline specifies that shoppers may only buy a maximum of five trading card packs or boxes per store visit. However, the language has sparked debate due to its lack of clarity. Precisely what qualifies as a "box" is not defined, and if someone could buy five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes remains ambiguous.
Moreover, because the restriction is tied to each visit, theoretically an eager reseller could return repeatedly—purchasing the maximum each time—to accumulate significant stocks over several hours.
The Scalping Phenomenon
To most players, such efforts might seem over the top, yet for resellers, it's common behavior. Over the past few seasons, scalpers have greatly contributed to widespread shortages of Pokémon cards, driven by the game's rising popularity.
Some resellers seek to resell sealed items at a markup, whereas some hunt for valuable pulls that can command sky-high values. As an example, the Mega Lucario ex card in recent releases has been listed for over $800 in online marketplaces.
Upcoming Releases
The new rule aligns with the approaching launch of the latest Pokémon expansion, coming on November 14th. Pre-release sales already show premium cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex being offered for around fifteen hundred dollars, highlighting the ongoing demand and potential scalper target.
With any luck, Walmart's restrictions will curb mass buying and increase access for genuine collectors and casual players as well.
