Target To Stop Selling Pokemon Cards Due To Safety Concerns

Target is going to stop selling Pokemon cards in its stores starting today due to safety concerns after the cards started experiencing a massive influx in popularity. It isn't limited to just Pokemon, either, with sales of sports cards like MLB, NFL, and NBA also halted. Apparently soccer and hockey fans can still be trusted, at least for now.

"The safety of our guests and our team is our top priority," Target told Bleeding Cool. "Out of an abundance of caution, we've decided to temporarily suspend the sale of MLB, NFL, NBA, and Pokemon trading cards within our stores, effective May 14."

The move doesn't affect online sales and comes a few days after someone in a Target lot was assaulted during a dispute over sports cards. During the assault, the victim drew a gun, scaring off the attackers.

Because the pause isn't coming until tomorrow, May 14, that means there could be an extra wave of customers trying to purchase packs in Target stores while they still can. With states starting to open back up as people get their vaccines, that could mean even more people try their luck. However, they'll have to look elsewhere if they don't just want to order from Target online. You can also still buy the cards at Walmart stores, as the retailer told The Verge it has no plans to stop selling the cards. However, it said it's still trying to decide if action should be taken.

Adults pretty much ruin everything, as we all know, and this extends to Pokemon cards. Alongside the frenzy to purchase them from stores, people took advantage of a McDonald's Happy Meal promotion--yes, the one for small children--and started flipping Pokemon cards online to make a quick buck. I'm not lovin' it.