🔗 Share this article Walmart Enforces Buying Restrictions on Pokémon Trading Cards As a notable development, Walmart has started enforcing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can acquire during one shopping trip. This new rule officially takes effect as of early November, based on a company memo shared with employees. Tackling Reseller Problems While not officially confirmed by Walmart, many believe this decision was prompted by a viral TikTok video that showed a customer purchasing an enormous quantity of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The store manager seen in the video faced widespread backlash for permitting the bulk transaction to go through. Policy Details and Potential Loopholes The updated guideline specifies that shoppers may only buy up to five trading card packs or boxes each time they enter. Yet, the wording has sparked debate due to its vagueness. Precisely what counts as a "box" is not defined, and whether someone could still purchase five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain. Moreover, because the restriction is based on individual trips, in theory an eager reseller could make multiple trips—purchasing the maximum each time—to gather large quantities throughout the day. The Reseller Crisis For the average collector, this approach might seem excessive, but for scalpers, it's common behavior. In recent years, scalpers have significantly added to frequent stockouts 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 command extraordinary prices. As an example, a specific Mega Evolution card in recent releases is currently selling at prices exceeding eight hundred dollars on various platforms. Looking Ahead This policy change aligns with the imminent release of the latest Pokémon expansion, scheduled for November 14th. Pre-release sales indicate chase cards like the Charizard mega evolution listed for nearly $1,500, emphasizing the persistent interest and potential scalper target. With any luck, Walmart's restrictions will curb bulk purchases and increase access for true fans and everyday enthusiasts as well.