Enforce Purchase Limits on Pokémon Vending Machines

The Issue

Let me start with a personal story:

I try to bring my kids to get some cards.  It is bad enough that card shops raise the MSRP on the cards, but then you finally have a chance to get some cards and these scalpers clean out the vending machines.  

Some adult told my 9 year old son "You gotta get here sooner to catch them all."  A full grown adult to a kid.  I almost became the statistic of getting into a fight...OVER POKEMON CARDS, no less.  

So, I am sick and tired of the look of disappointment on my kids' faces because I have a job and can only take them a few hours after restocking.

Soooooooooooo...

Enforce Purchase Limits!!!!!

Petition Summary:

We, the undersigned, are calling on retail stores and The Pokémon Company to take action regarding the ongoing issues surrounding Pokémon card vending machines. These machines have led to loitering, disruptive behavior, and an overall negative shopping experience for families and customers alike.

Why This Matters:

Pokémon cards are a beloved hobby for many, especially young children. However, the presence of Pokémon vending machines in retail stores has created an environment where adults frequently camp out, causing congestion and tension among shoppers. Many of us have witnessed firsthand how:

Customers camp out in stores for long periods, leading to loitering and obstructing shopping aisles.

Disputes arise over purchase limits, often resulting in impolite or aggressive behavior.

Young children, for whom these cards are intended, feel unwelcome or are unable to get a fair chance to purchase them.

This behavior disrupts the shopping experience and creates an unpleasant atmosphere for customers and employees alike.

What We Are Asking For:

We urge retailers and The Pokémon Company to address this issue by either:

  1. Prevent loitering and disputes.
  2. Updating the vending machine software to implement strict purchase limits per person per day.
  3. AND/OR Enforcing in-store policies to prevent loitering and ensure fair access for all customers, particularly children.

Sign This Petition to Take Action!

By signing this petition, you are advocating for a more enjoyable, fair, and family-friendly shopping experience. Let’s work together to ensure that Pokémon cards remain accessible without disrupting the retail environment.

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The Issue

Let me start with a personal story:

I try to bring my kids to get some cards.  It is bad enough that card shops raise the MSRP on the cards, but then you finally have a chance to get some cards and these scalpers clean out the vending machines.  

Some adult told my 9 year old son "You gotta get here sooner to catch them all."  A full grown adult to a kid.  I almost became the statistic of getting into a fight...OVER POKEMON CARDS, no less.  

So, I am sick and tired of the look of disappointment on my kids' faces because I have a job and can only take them a few hours after restocking.

Soooooooooooo...

Enforce Purchase Limits!!!!!

Petition Summary:

We, the undersigned, are calling on retail stores and The Pokémon Company to take action regarding the ongoing issues surrounding Pokémon card vending machines. These machines have led to loitering, disruptive behavior, and an overall negative shopping experience for families and customers alike.

Why This Matters:

Pokémon cards are a beloved hobby for many, especially young children. However, the presence of Pokémon vending machines in retail stores has created an environment where adults frequently camp out, causing congestion and tension among shoppers. Many of us have witnessed firsthand how:

Customers camp out in stores for long periods, leading to loitering and obstructing shopping aisles.

Disputes arise over purchase limits, often resulting in impolite or aggressive behavior.

Young children, for whom these cards are intended, feel unwelcome or are unable to get a fair chance to purchase them.

This behavior disrupts the shopping experience and creates an unpleasant atmosphere for customers and employees alike.

What We Are Asking For:

We urge retailers and The Pokémon Company to address this issue by either:

  1. Prevent loitering and disputes.
  2. Updating the vending machine software to implement strict purchase limits per person per day.
  3. AND/OR Enforcing in-store policies to prevent loitering and ensure fair access for all customers, particularly children.

Sign This Petition to Take Action!

By signing this petition, you are advocating for a more enjoyable, fair, and family-friendly shopping experience. Let’s work together to ensure that Pokémon cards remain accessible without disrupting the retail environment.

The Decision Makers

Beyo Michel
Beyo Michel
CEO Vons
Vivek Sankaran
Vivek Sankaran
CEO Albertsons
Satoshi Tajiri
Satoshi Tajiri
President Game Freak
Tsunekazu Ishihara
Tsunekazu Ishihara
President of The Pokémon Company

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates

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Petition created on February 21, 2025