Certain Target locations missed out on Pokémon Pitch Black stock for launch day.

It’s Pitch Black release day, and fans of the Pokémon trading card game are flocking to Target stores nationwide to grab the latest gothic set. Many dedicated players camped out overnight or rose early to secure their copies. However, reports from various regions indicate that some early risers have encountered empty shelves.

This situation is quite unusual for Target, which typically has a strong partnership with The Pokémon Company. On launch days, stores usually clear out old inventory and set up eye-catching displays for the new products. Some locations even create designated lines outside, leading to special areas near the entrance stocked with the latest items. Employees are on hand to guide customers and enforce item limits to keep the process orderly.

Release days for Pokémon TCG are major events, and fans anticipated July 17 would follow suit. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Customers in Minnesota reported to multiple outlets that they found no stock at various Twin Cities locations. These claims are supported by social media posts from frustrated fans in local restock groups and messages in national Discord channels. Instead of finding fresh Elite Trainer Boxes or booster packs, they were met with signs apologizing for the lack of inventory.

While Target is a go-to for TCG purchases, not every store is guaranteed to receive new stock. Larger locations, like Super Target, typically receive substantial shipments. The issues surrounding the Pitch Black release are affecting even these larger stores, which usually have stock available on launch day.

One Discord user noted, “One Target store had no drop, the other Target store had 20 ETBs.”

Target has not yet commented on the situation. Currently, affected areas include Minnesota and Pennsylvania, but it’s likely that other regions are experiencing similar issues. Target sources its Pokémon stock from third-party vendors, such as MJ Holdings, so the problem may not stem from the retail chain itself. To combat scalping, some vendors randomize their restock times, but this typically doesn’t apply to new set releases.

Regardless of the underlying issues, even stores that appear to have new products are somewhat lacking. A typical release day is accompanied by a variety of recent products, including boxes of Ascended Heroes, Perfect Order, and Destined Rivals. However, some Target locations are only offering Pitch Black ETBs, booster packs, and three-pack blisters, displayed on smaller fixtures than usual.

Pitch Black will likely make its way to Target shelves eventually. Stores that opened with no stock may see vendors restocking later in the day. Target also tends to distribute new products throughout the day when new sets launch, giving more fans a chance to snag cards.

If you’re in an area where Target is out of stock, consider checking other retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Ace Hardware, or Barnes & Noble. By the time you read this, those stores may already be sold out of ETBs, but social media updates indicate that places like Walmart have single-pack boosters available.

There are also reports of new purchasing policies for Pokémon merchandise.