🔗 Share this article The retail giant Introduces Buying Restrictions on Pokémon TCG Products In a significant move, Walmart has begun enforcing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can buy during one shopping trip. This new rule officially takes effect as of early November, based on an internal announcement shared with employees. Tackling Reseller Problems While not officially confirmed by Walmart, many believe this decision was influenced by a widely shared social media clip that depicted a customer buying a massive amount of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The employee seen in the video received significant criticism for allowing the bulk transaction to proceed. Rule Specifics and Possible Weaknesses The new restriction specifies that shoppers may only buy up to five trading card boxes or packs each time they enter. However, the language has sparked debate due to its lack of clarity. What exactly counts as a "box" is not defined, and if someone could still purchase five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain. Additionally, because the restriction is based on each visit, in theory an eager reseller could return repeatedly—buying five items each time—to accumulate significant stocks over several hours. The Reseller Crisis For the average collector, this approach might seem excessive, yet for resellers, it's common behavior. In recent years, scalpers have significantly added to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, driven by the game's rising popularity. Certain buyers 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 from the latest set is currently selling for over $800 in online marketplaces. Upcoming Releases The new rule aligns with the imminent release of the Phantasmal Flames set, coming on November 14th. Early listings already show chase cards like the Charizard mega evolution being offered for nearly $1,500, highlighting the ongoing demand and likely scalper target. With any luck, Walmart's restrictions will help reduce bulk purchases and improve availability for genuine collectors and casual players alike.