Pokemon Retailer Decides Against Stocking Prismatic Evolutions Due to Safety Issues

A pop culture retail outlet and Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) vendor has announced it will not be carrying the forthcoming set, Prismatic Evolutions, due to concerns for the safety of its employees. This decision highlights growing tensions in the trading card community.

In a post on January 7, shared via Instagram, the Kent, Washington-based store stated, “For our personal safety, as well as the safety and security of the store, we will not be selling the new [Prismatic Evolutions] Pokémon set.”

Set to be released as the first significant Pokémon TCG update of 2025, Prismatic Evolutions has generated considerable excitement among fans, particularly because of its focus on Eevee and its various evolutions, such as Espeon and Umbreon. Cards like those from the Evolving Skies set, especially featuring Umbreon, have been known to fetch astronomical resale prices.

Supply and Demand Concerns

Given the rising enthusiasm for the set, the booster packs, available only in bundles and Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) rather than traditional booster boxes, are anticipated to be scarce. Collectors are likely to face challenges securing these items at their suggested retail prices.

Store’s Justification

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A post shared by Retro Emporium (@retroemporiumkent)

In its statement, Retro Emporium attributed their decision to the “overly aggressive (and entitled) behavior coming from collectors/resellers,” emphasizing that they would not sacrifice the safety of their staff for the sake of selling cards.

“We have tried to be fair and keep everything accessible, but we just can’t this time,” the store concluded.

Community Reactions

A discussion on Reddit featured a local user who claimed to have spoken with the store owner. They contradicted allegations that the owner was withholding stock for personal gain, stating the owner “is genuinely concerned for the safety of her small business, which has been broken into THREE times in the past six years, with Pokémon cards as the sole target.”

The prevalence of thefts in the Pokémon card community has been alarming. Notably, in November 2024, UK law enforcement successfully recovered a stolen Charizard card valued at $40,000 and returned it to its rightful owner.

Looking Ahead

If you are aiming to complete a master set of Prismatic Evolutions, keep an eye out for the chase cards that are poised to be in high demand upon release.

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