As a notable development, Walmart has begun enforcing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can acquire during one shopping trip. This policy was activated starting November 5th, based on an internal announcement shared with employees.
Addressing Scalper Activity
While not officially confirmed by Walmart, many believe this decision was influenced by a widely shared social media clip that depicted a customer purchasing an enormous quantity of Pokémon card items at a checkout counter. The employee seen in the video received significant criticism for permitting the bulk transaction to proceed.
Policy Details and Potential Loopholes
The updated guideline states that shoppers may only buy a maximum of five trading card boxes or packs each time they enter. Yet, the language has sparked debate due to its vagueness. What exactly qualifies as a "box" is not defined, and whether someone could still purchase five premium Elite Trainer Boxes remains ambiguous.
Moreover, because the restriction is based on each visit, theoretically a determined scalper could make multiple trips—buying five items each time—to accumulate large quantities 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 greatly contributed to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, driven by the game's rising popularity.
Some resellers seek to resell sealed items for a profit, whereas some search for rare cards that can fetch sky-high values. As an example, the Mega Lucario ex card from the latest set is currently selling for over $800 on various platforms.
Looking Ahead
The new rule coincides with the imminent release of the latest Pokémon expansion, scheduled for November 14th. Pre-release sales indicate premium cards like the Charizard mega evolution listed for around fifteen hundred dollars, highlighting the persistent interest and likely reseller attention.
With any luck, Walmart's restrictions will help reduce bulk purchases and increase access for genuine collectors and everyday enthusiasts alike.
