Pokemon TCG Fans Disappointed as Scalpers Deplete Target’s Black Friday Stock

The holiday shopping season is underway, and while Black Friday deals are attracting eager consumers, Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) enthusiasts have faced frustration at Target. A recent promotion featuring substantial discounts on Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) quickly ended in disappointment for many, as the shelves were swiftly cleared by scalpers.

Pokémon cards are not often discounted, especially after the widespread shortages experienced in 2020 and 2021. The latest price increases related to the Scarlet and Violet expansions have further escalated the cost of entry for collectors. Thus, the targeted Black Friday sale drew significant interest, offering select ETBs from the Sword and Shield era for around $20—approximately half of their usual price.

Immediate Sell-Out of Pokémon TCG ETBs

However, for those who ventured to their local Targets in search of these deals, the situation mirrored the disheartening times of previous card shortages. One shopper recounted their experience on Reddit, reporting a complete lack of ETBs amid a sea of scalpers.

$20 Target ETB Rant by u/SixApplePies in PokemonTCG

The account detailed a dismal scene where they arrived 20 minutes prior to opening, only to be met by other eager shoppers rushing to the back of the store, all to find empty shelves. “We overheard some guy on the phone bragging about buying out an entire display for $400,” the user lamented.

This was not an isolated incident. Comments from fellow players echoed similar sentiments, with many sharing stories of their own futile attempts to secure the discounted ETBs. “I visited three Targets over a few days—none had them in stock,” lamented another fan, highlighting the pervasive issue of bulk purchases by resellers. “I noticed one Target had a sign limiting purchases to four items per customer, but enforcement remains uncertain.”

Historically, restrictions like these have been commonplace as retailers attempted to manage scalping. It’s only recently that such measures have seen a decline, leading to unrestricted buying and further issues for genuine collectors.

This Black Friday experience was just one of many instances of scalpers impacting Pokémon fans. The Pokémon x Van Gogh Museum exhibit in late 2023 also suffered from scalper interference, with enthusiasts vying for a Van Gogh-inspired Pikachu card, only to be thwarted by reselling tactics. Furthermore, during the Pokémon and McDonald’s collaboration, scalpers frequently bought up multiple Happy Meals to access exclusive card packs, leaving children without the chance to participate.

To mitigate the impact of scalping, it is crucial for fans to refrain from purchasing overpriced products on secondhand marketplaces. Given that many players were specifically attracted to the ETBs for their discounted prices, resisting the temptation to buy resold items at inflated prices is advisable. Patience is key; prospective buyers should wait for legitimate sales opportunities at MSRP or lower.

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