🔗 Share this article The retail giant Introduces Buying Restrictions on Pokémon TCG Products In a significant move, Walmart has started enforcing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can acquire during one shopping trip. This policy was activated starting November 5th, according to a company memo distributed to employees. Tackling Reseller Problems While not officially confirmed by Walmart, many believe this decision was prompted by a widely shared social media clip that showed a customer buying an enormous quantity of Pokémon card items at a checkout counter. The employee seen in the video received significant criticism for allowing the large-scale transaction to go through. Policy Details and Potential Loopholes The updated guideline states that shoppers may only buy up to five trading card boxes or packs each time they enter. Yet, the language has raised questions due to its vagueness. Precisely what qualifies as a "box" remains unclear, and if someone could still purchase five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes remains ambiguous. Additionally, since the limit is based on each visit, theoretically a determined scalper could make multiple trips—purchasing the maximum each time—to accumulate significant stocks over several hours. The Scalping Phenomenon For the average collector, such efforts might seem excessive, yet for resellers, it's standard practice. In recent years, speculators have significantly added to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, spurred by the TCG's growing fame. Certain buyers aim to sell unopened products at a markup, while others hunt for valuable pulls that can fetch sky-high values. For instance, the Mega Lucario ex card from the latest set is currently selling for over $800 in online marketplaces. Looking Ahead The new rule coincides with the imminent release of the Phantasmal Flames set, scheduled for November 14th. Pre-release sales indicate premium cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex listed for nearly $1,500, emphasizing the persistent interest and likely scalper target. Hopefully, the retail limits will curb mass buying and increase access for genuine collectors and everyday enthusiasts alike.