Every visit to Target hoping to snag a pack of Pokémon cards for my young brother results in disappointment. Instead of discovering the joy of opening a new pack, we are often met with empty shelves. It's not just us; families across the country are experiencing this shortage, a direct result of adult collectors and scalpers purchasing entire stocks the moment they hit the shelves. Pokémon, a game designed for kids, is being overrun by those looking to profit, leaving young fans with nothing.

Pokémon has been a cherished part of childhood for decades, offering not only entertainment but also a way for kids to bond, trade, and learn essential social skills. Yet, the overwhelming demand from adult buyers is depriving the new generation of players from these experiences. Scalpers purchase large quantities of cards not because they are fans, but to resell them at inflated prices on platforms like eBay, making genuine enjoyment unaffordable for many families.

It's time for a change. We urge retailers, especially large chains like Target, Walmart, and Toys "R" Us, to adopt policies that ensure half of every restock is allocated for children aged 14 and under. This approach would not only help curb the problem of scalping but also ensure that the primary audience — the children — are able to enjoy the game as intended.

Implementing a system that allows card purchases to be associated with a child’s presence or through a club membership could be a practical solution. This could involve setting aside specific times during the week when only children can purchase, or introducing a purchase limit per family.

The evidence is clear: Pokémon cards are abundant in resale markets but scarce on shelves, highlighting the imbalance that needs to be addressed. Without intervention, we risk turning a child's game into an inaccessible hobby for only those who can afford inflated prices. Let's keep the magic of Pokémon alive and accessible to those for whom it was created.

By supporting this petition, we can send a powerful message to retailers and manufacturers to prioritize today's youth over profit-driven collectors. Let's make Pokémon a kids' game again. Please sign and share this petition to help us reach our goal!