Target Halts The In-store Sale Of Pokémon Cards Because People Are Getting Into Fights Over Them

Target has taken the extraordinary measure to cease selling Pokémon cards in stores after the soaring market on the collectibles has led to at least one physical altercation.

Twitter user @TheAlanJohnson tweeted a sign at a Target store that outlined their new policy. It says Pokémon cards, as well as MLB, NFL, and NBA trading cards, will no longer be sold at Target stores starting May 14th "to ensure the safety of our guests and team members."

So, I guess Pokémon, MLB, NFL, and NBA trading cards are no longer going to be sold at Target stores starting this Friday. pic.twitter.com/pUzbQ9Esey

— Alan Johnson (@TheAlanJohnson) May 12, 2021

The announcement comes after a Wisconsin Target was the site of a physical altercation over Pokémon cards. A Target spokesperson told Polygon that cards were still available for purchase online. At least one Walmart has also taken the step of removing physical cards from its shelves.

The announcement underscores the wild bubble trading cards, and specifically, Pokémon cards have seen of late. Last year, Pokémon trading cards became a hot topic among YouTubers and other online types after people like Logan Paul and rapper Logic purchased holographic Charizards for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Twitch streamers have taken to opening boxes of Pokémon cards, a trend that was parodied in Jerma's Grotto Beasts video.