The retail giant Enforces Purchase Limits on Pokémon Trading Cards
As a notable development, Walmart has started implementing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can buy during a single visit. This policy 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 influenced by a viral TikTok video that depicted a customer purchasing an enormous quantity of Pokémon card items at a checkout counter. The employee featured in the video received significant criticism for allowing the bulk transaction to go through.
Policy Details and Potential Loopholes
The new restriction states that shoppers may only buy up to five trading card boxes or packs each time they enter. However, the wording has raised questions due to its lack of clarity. What exactly counts as a "box" remains unclear, and whether someone could buy five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain.
Moreover, because the restriction is tied to individual trips, theoretically a determined scalper could return repeatedly—buying five items each time—to gather large quantities over several hours.
The Reseller Crisis
For the average collector, such efforts might seem excessive, but for scalpers, it's standard practice. Over the past few seasons, speculators have greatly contributed to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, driven by the game's rising popularity.
Certain buyers aim to resell sealed items for a profit, whereas some search for rare cards that can fetch extraordinary prices. As an example, the Mega Lucario ex card in recent releases has been listed for over $800 on various platforms.
Looking Ahead
The new rule coincides with the imminent release of the latest Pokémon expansion, coming on November 14th. Early listings indicate premium cards like the Charizard mega evolution listed for nearly $1,500, highlighting the persistent interest and likely scalper target.
Hopefully, the retail limits will help reduce bulk purchases and improve availability for genuine collectors and casual players as well.
