Target has halted the sales of Pokémon Cards!

Retail store Target released a statement this week mentioning it will temporarily halt sales of Pokémon, NFL, NBA, MLB cards out of caution for its employees and customers. There is an increase in demand for trading cards that have caused issues for the retailer in its stores. There is a massive crowd gathering trying to buy the card and, in some cases, violence. This issue is not limited to targeted stores but happening nationwide.

New York Post reported that the retail chain’s new policy would be effected from today out of an abundance of caution after a fight broke out at a store in Wisconsin over the popular collectible items last week. According to police 35-year-old man was physically assaulted by four other men, and he pulled a gun after an argument over sports trading cards in the parking lot, the attackers ran away, and no shots were fired.

A Target spokesperson said in a statement, “The safety of our guests and our team is our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we’ve decided to temporarily suspend the sale of MLB, NFL, NBA, and Pokémon trading cards within our stores.”

According to The Verge, during the coronavirus pandemic, Pokémon cards have become popular, and the Pokemon company struggled to keep supplies in stock. According to a sports memorabilia store owner, some trading cards have gone five times a value. Deman for new cards are sparkle my original cards.

Target had recently attempted to keep things under control with new rules last month. In early 2021, it said per customers can have only three sportscard items, which is eventually limited to one sportscard item per household. In most locations, to control the sales, the cards were moved from the shelves to the customer service desk.

At 8 a.m. on Fridays, the cards were sold, and after the sale began May 7, the incident in Brookfield, Wisconsin, occurred just 20 minutes. Four men were arrested on potential charges of disorderly conduct, strangulation, and battery.