ign.com
Aug 7, 2026
Target is Slicing Open Pokémon Card Boxes Before They’re Sold in a Bid to Deter Scalpers, Fans Say
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Target has reportedly begun removing shrink wrap from new Pokémon card boxes in select stores and online orders to curb scalping. Fans observed employees cutting the plastic on Prismatic Evolutions ETBs, citing a corporate directive to deter bulk purchases for resale. While collectors argue the practice does not affect card quality, it lowers resale value because unopened boxes are prized. The move has drawn praise from some fans frustrated by scarcity, though others worry it could damage stock or inflate prices.
💡 Why It Matters
- · By preemptively stripping packaging, Target directly challenges the scalping ecosystem that fuels inflated secondary markets and limits access for average buyers.
- · This tactic could set a precedent for retailers facing similar supply‑demand imbalances.
