US retailer Walmart has confirmed that, unlike fellow retailer Target, it has not issued a chain-wide order to suspend sales of Pokemon trading cards. Pokemon trading cards and trading cards in general have become increasingly popular over the last year. That popularity has been causing a variety of problems for in-store sales, leading some retailers to take measures to protect their employees and customers.

Target's decision was announced in the aftermath of one particularly violent incident where a Target customer pulled a gun after being assaulted by four other men trying to steal his freshly-purchased sports trading cards. This incident, while distressing, did not convince Walmart to follow suit. This is despite the current popularity boom having negative consequences for customer and employee safety.

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A Walmart spokesperson made it clear that the company is determining whether changes are necessary to meet the increased customer demand, but has not suspended the sale of any brand of trading cards. The persistent actions of scalpers and in-person outbreaks of violence and destruction have had consequences for the market, but sales are still strong. As long as trading cards continue to be incredibly profitable, especially if a collector manages to find that one diamond in the rough--like the rare Ishihara GX Pokemon card that recently auctioned for a record-breaking price--that state of affairs will likely continue.

Given the problems that are already arising from disrespectful trading card buyers, such as the destruction of cereal boxes to steal the Pokemon cards inside, retailers and Pokemon fans alike may be displeased with Walmart's lack of response. However, individual Walmart stores have been reported posting signs in the trading card section announcing a suspension of sales. These signs are likely local notices that apply to specific locations, possibly inspired by similar incidents to the ones that plagued Target. Trading cards can still be purchased online from both Target and Walmart.

Target's decision to stop selling MLB, NFL, NBA, and Pokemon trading cards in stores is certainly controversial, but Walmart's refusal to consider suspending sales is also worthy of scrutiny. As more and more retailers institute safety and security precautions around their stock of trading cards, it's becoming clear that sellers need to develop solid plans to keep property from being damaged and people from getting hurt. It would be reassuring for trading card fans and customers alike to hear that Walmart is considering implementing precautions to prevent what happened at Target from happening at its stores.

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Source: IGN