Pokémon Card Prices on the Rise at Target

Finding Pokémon cards these days is a challenge, especially when it comes to snagging them at a reasonable price. From various retailers, many are marking up Pokémon products beyond the suggested retail price. Among these, Target has typically been seen as one of the more budget-friendly options for Pokémon cards. However, recent updates to their listings indicate that Target may be raising prices for certain items.

The price hikes don’t seem to affect all Pokémon products uniformly; they primarily target items that are currently in high demand. So far, the adjustments include:

Target hasn’t provided any comments regarding these changes. The price increases were first spotted by restock communities online and have been in effect since the weekend of June 26. Some items, like the Mega Greninja ex Premium Collection, remain unchanged, while others, such as the Mabosstiff ex Showcase, are still listed below MSRP. The adjustments mainly impact newer products within Pokémon’s midrange pricing.

While the increases aren’t drastic, they do raise concerns for Pokémon enthusiasts. As resale prices for cards continue to climb, many retailers are capitalizing on this demand by adjusting their own prices. Although Target’s prices are generally lower than those at places like GameStop, this also allows them more flexibility in pricing. Target stores are often more accessible than specialty retailers and typically receive larger restocks.

These price changes come as part of a broader effort to combat scalpers. Recently, Target has gained attention for its more stringent measures regarding Pokémon cards, which reportedly include opening boxes before sale, denying sales to known resellers, and requiring identification for purchases. These strategies are not uniform across all locations and are implemented at the discretion of individual stores. Additionally, Target has faced issues related to theft and violence concerning Pokémon merchandise.

New purchasing policies for Pokémon products are reportedly being introduced.