This story was originally published on May 14, 2021.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Target will no longer sell Pokémon and Sports Trading Cards in their physical locations.
The change takes effect Friday following a parking fight last week at Target in Wisconsin. The Minneapolis-based company says the temporary suspension is due to excessive caution as disputes over cards are raging across the country.
Customers can still find collectible cards at Target’s online store.
During the pandemic, collecting baseball cards became more popular than ever, and there were no cards left in several stores.
“We see so many fathers and sons coming, many children,” said Peter Vasquez, owner of a card store. told KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. “The moms actually came and bought their cards.”
If you are thinking of redeeming these cards for big money, the FBI warns that fraud is also a factor in increasing demand.
Adam Thomas’ S&S Sports Cards in Tulsa, Oklahoma was busier than ever. CBS Miami reports… “I’ve been in this, you know, industry for over 30 years, and the store for over 22 years, and I’ve never seen more kids come to the store than this year,” he said.
The store was closed to the public for three months in the midst of the pandemic, but it still managed to double its profits last year through online sales and customers who came in when it reopened. “People had more free time. People wanted to relive what made them feel good when they were kids, ”Thomas said.
Panini America is the world’s largest licensed sports and entertainment collectibles company. “Demand is currently far outstripping supply,” said Panini CEO Mark Warsop. “If you haven’t collected collectible cards for 20 years, come and see it again. You can buy collectible cards with precious stones inside, trading cards made of precious metals. “
There’s also an element of luck in finding out what’s inside the package. These so-called “hits” are often broadcast on social media, attracting young collectors. Even a basic package bought for a few dollars can contain a card with a limited supply of thousands, and from that point on, the cost will only increase.
In January, the Mickey Mantle baseball card sold for a record $ 5.2 million.
The NFL and the NBA that drive sports card sales. Kansas City defender Patrick Mahomes’ signed card was auctioned for $ 861,000 earlier this year. “Don’t treat everything as an investment or a get-rich-quick scheme. Collect what you like, be it a player, a team or a type of card, and enjoy your hobby, ”said Thomas.
