Target sabotages Pokémon card scalpers by selling open boxes
Target has begun opening boxes of Pokémon trading cards before they reach store shelves in an effort to combat scalpers and resale market manipulation. Videos circulating online show a Target manager breaking open brand-new Pokémon card boxes, stating that the practice has been mandated by corporate headquarters to address persistent issues with resellers acquiring inventory at retail prices only to flip products at inflated markups on secondary markets.
According to the manager in the footage, the measure is designed to mitigate scalper activity by making sealed, unopened boxes less attractive to resellers who typically seek pristine packaging. The manager indicated this policy is being applied selectively on a store-by-store basis, suggesting Target may be implementing it primarily in locations experiencing particularly high scalper activity.
Target had not immediately provided an official response at the time of reporting, though anecdotal reports from customers and retail workers appear to support the existence of this practice across multiple store locations. The tactic reflects growing frustration across the retail and gaming communities regarding scalping culture, which has affected gaming consoles, collectible cards, and other high-demand products.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has experienced unprecedented demand and scalping pressure in recent years, with rare and newly released sets commanding significant premiums on the secondary market. By opening product before sale, Target is attempting to ensure casual collectors can purchase cards at manufacturer-suggested prices rather than losing inventory to bulk-buying resellers. This unconventional approach prioritizes legitimate customer access over maintaining pristine packaging attractive to resale markets.