In a significant move, Walmart has started implementing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card items customers can acquire during one shopping trip. This new rule officially takes effect as of early November, according to an internal announcement shared with employees.
Addressing Scalper Activity
While not officially confirmed by Walmart, numerous sources suggest this decision was influenced by a widely shared social media clip that showed a customer purchasing a massive amount of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The employee seen in the video faced significant criticism for allowing the large-scale transaction to proceed.
Rule Specifics and Possible Weaknesses
The new restriction states that shoppers may only buy up to five trading card packs or boxes per store visit. However, the wording has raised questions due to its vagueness. What exactly qualifies as a "box" remains unclear, and whether someone could buy five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes remains ambiguous.
Moreover, since the limit is based on individual trips, in theory an eager reseller could return repeatedly—buying five items each time—to accumulate significant stocks over several hours.
The Scalping Phenomenon
To most players, such efforts might seem excessive, yet for resellers, 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.
Certain buyers aim to resell sealed items for a profit, whereas some search for rare cards that can command extraordinary prices. For instance, a specific Mega Evolution card in recent releases is currently selling at prices exceeding eight hundred dollars in online marketplaces.
Looking Ahead
The new rule coincides with the approaching launch of the latest Pokémon expansion, coming on November 14th. Early listings already show chase cards like the Charizard mega evolution being offered for nearly $1,500, highlighting the persistent interest and likely scalper target.
With any luck, the retail limits will help reduce bulk purchases and improve availability for true fans and casual players as well.
