Retailers Take Drastic Measures Following Launch of Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is set to release its much-anticipated expansion, Prismatic Evolutions, on January 17, 2025. Retailers are already taking precautionary measures in response to concerns regarding product shortages and the expected surge in demand.

Following the overwhelming response to the Surging Sparks set released at the close of 2024, Pokémon TCG enthusiasts are bracing for even more competition for the Eevee-themed Prismatic Evolutions set. This sentiment is echoed by the complete sell-out of pre-orders on The Pokémon Center website, alongside TCGPlayer’s pre-release prices, which have exceeded $150 for individual Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs).

Given that Prismatic Evolutions is categorized as a special set, booster packs will not be available in traditional booster boxes. Collectors seeking the exclusive Eeveelution Stellar cards will need to acquire ETBs and collection boxes instead.

Target Implements Purchase Limits to Combat Scalping

To curtail the influx of collectors and potential scalpers on launch day, many retailers have adopted purchase restrictions. Posts from card collectors on social media reveal that Target has instituted a limit of three items per person, per day.

Well done Target! 🎯👏Let’s hope other shops follow suit! 🤞#PokemonTCG pic.twitter.com/4DFYlFkAUm

— Pokemon Giveaways (@PokeTCGiveaways) January 14, 2025

This is not the first instance of major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Kroger enacting such measures. During the significant shortages that plagued the Pokémon TCG market from 2020 to 2022, many stores either ceased stocking these products or imposed stringent purchase limits, sometimes allowing only one item per customer.

Despite these efforts, skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness of these limitations. A commenter highlighted, “I’ll tell you this won’t work. When Celebrations dropped, I had probably 10 ETBs, but only 3 would ring up. However, you can still do multiple transactions.”

Conversely, others in the community support the new restrictions, applauding the introduction of Target’s “Reseller Policy,” which emphasizes that the retailer will no longer sell to resellers to ensure fair access for all customers. The policy states: “When approached by a reseller, explain that Target no longer sells to resellers in order to provide all individuals the opportunity to purchase products and to maintain competitiveness.”

While it remains uncertain whether other retailers will adopt similar strategies to uphold fair market pricing for fans, many TCG enthusiasts view this move as a positive step, celebrating the explicit disavowal of scalpers and resellers.

As we approach the launch of Prismatic Evolutions, the availability of these products may vary significantly. Those who secured pre-orders or reside near smaller card shops are likely to have the best chances of acquiring the new expansion.

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