🔗 Share this article The retail giant Implements Purchase Limits on Pokémon TCG Products As a notable development, Walmart has begun implementing strict limits on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can buy during one shopping trip. This policy officially takes effect as of early November, based on an internal announcement shared with employees. Addressing Scalper Activity While not officially confirmed by Walmart, numerous sources suggest this decision was prompted by a widely shared social media clip that depicted 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. Rule Specifics and Possible Weaknesses The updated guideline specifies that shoppers may only buy up to five trading card boxes or packs per store visit. Yet, the language has raised questions due to its lack of clarity. What exactly counts as a "box" remains unclear, and if someone could buy five premium Elite Trainer Boxes remains ambiguous. Moreover, because the restriction is tied to each visit, theoretically a determined scalper could make multiple trips—purchasing the maximum each time—to accumulate significant stocks throughout the day. The Scalping Phenomenon For the average collector, such efforts might seem excessive, yet for resellers, it's standard practice. Over the past few seasons, scalpers 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 valuable pulls that can fetch extraordinary prices. As an example, the Mega Lucario ex card in recent releases is currently selling for over $800 in online marketplaces. Looking Ahead This policy change aligns with the approaching launch of the latest Pokémon expansion, scheduled for November 14th. Early listings indicate premium cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex listed for nearly $1,500, emphasizing the ongoing demand and likely reseller attention. Hopefully, Walmart's restrictions will curb mass buying and increase access for true fans and everyday enthusiasts as well.