The retail giant Enforces Purchase Limits on Pokémon TCG Products
As a notable development, Walmart has begun implementing strict limits on how many Pokémon trading card items customers can acquire during one shopping trip. This new rule 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 depicted a customer purchasing an enormous quantity of Pokémon card items at a checkout counter. The store manager seen in the video received significant criticism for permitting the large-scale transaction to proceed.
Policy Details and Potential Loopholes
The new restriction specifies that shoppers may only buy up to five trading card packs or boxes each time they enter. Yet, the wording has raised questions due to its vagueness. Precisely what qualifies as a "box" is not defined, and whether someone could buy five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain.
Moreover, because the restriction is based on individual trips, in theory an eager reseller could return repeatedly—buying five items each time—to gather significant stocks over several hours.
The Scalping Phenomenon
To most players, such efforts might seem excessive, but for scalpers, it's standard practice. In recent years, scalpers have significantly added to widespread shortages of Pokémon cards, driven by the game's rising popularity.
Some resellers aim to resell sealed items for a profit, while others hunt for rare cards that can command extraordinary prices. As an example, a specific Mega Evolution card in recent releases has been listed for over $800 in online marketplaces.
Upcoming Releases
This policy change coincides with the approaching launch of the latest Pokémon expansion, coming on November 14th. Pre-release sales already show premium cards like the Charizard mega evolution being offered for nearly $1,500, highlighting the ongoing demand and potential scalper target.
With any luck, Walmart's restrictions will curb mass buying and improve availability for genuine collectors and casual players alike.
