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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 new rule was activated starting November 5th, according to a company memo distributed to employees.

Tackling Reseller Problems

While not officially confirmed by Walmart, numerous sources suggest this decision was influenced by a widely shared social media clip that showed a customer buying an enormous quantity of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The employee featured in the video faced significant criticism for permitting the bulk transaction to go through.

Rule Specifics and Possible Weaknesses

The updated guideline specifies that shoppers may only buy a maximum of five trading card packs or boxes per store visit. However, the language has raised questions due to its vagueness. What exactly qualifies as a "box" is not defined, and whether someone could still purchase five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes remains ambiguous.

Moreover, because the restriction is tied to individual trips, theoretically an eager reseller could make multiple trips—buying five items each time—to gather significant stocks throughout the day.

The Scalping Phenomenon

To most players, such efforts might seem excessive, yet for resellers, it's standard practice. In recent years, speculators have greatly contributed to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, spurred by the TCG's growing fame.

Some resellers seek to resell sealed items at a markup, whereas some hunt for rare cards that can command sky-high values. As an example, the Mega Lucario ex card from the latest set has been listed for over $800 on various platforms.

Looking Ahead

This policy change aligns with the imminent release of the latest Pokémon expansion, coming on November 14th. Early listings already show chase cards like the Charizard mega evolution listed for nearly $1,500, highlighting the ongoing demand and likely scalper target.

With any luck, Walmart's restrictions will curb mass buying and increase access for genuine collectors and casual players alike.