Walmart Introduces Buying Restrictions on Pokémon Trading Cards
As a notable development, Walmart has begun enforcing strict limits on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can acquire during a single visit. This policy was activated as of early November, according to a company memo distributed to employees.
Addressing Scalper Activity
Although not formally announced by Walmart, many believe this decision was influenced by a viral TikTok video 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 proceed.
Policy Details and Potential Loopholes
The new restriction specifies that shoppers may only buy a maximum of five trading card packs or boxes per store visit. Yet, the language has raised questions due to its vagueness. Precisely what counts as a "box" is not defined, and if someone could still purchase five premium Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain.
Additionally, since the limit is tied to each visit, in theory a determined scalper could return repeatedly—buying five items each time—to gather significant stocks over several hours.
The Reseller Crisis
To most players, such efforts might seem excessive, but for scalpers, it's common behavior. Over the past few seasons, speculators have significantly added to widespread shortages of Pokémon cards, driven by the TCG's growing fame.
Some resellers seek to resell sealed items for a profit, whereas some hunt for rare cards that can fetch sky-high values. For instance, a specific Mega Evolution card from the latest set is currently selling for over $800 in online marketplaces.
Upcoming Releases
This policy change aligns with the imminent release of the latest Pokémon expansion, coming on November 14th. Early listings indicate premium cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex listed for nearly $1,500, highlighting the persistent interest and likely scalper target.
Hopefully, the retail limits will curb bulk purchases and increase access for true fans and everyday enthusiasts as well.
