Stores Declining to Carry Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Set Citing “Safety” Concerns

In an unexpected turn of events, a number of local game stores are reportedly opting not to stock the upcoming Pokémon Trading Card Game set, Prismatic Evolutions, with concerns regarding employee and property safety at the forefront. This new set, which prominently features the Stellar Tera ex variants of the beloved Eeveelutions, is set to launch on January 17, 2025, heralding the start of what has been dubbed the “year of Eevee.”The initial response from collectors has been overwhelming, with some retailers receiving only a small fraction of their orders for this eagerly anticipated premium set.

As noted by Reddit user alyxR3W1ND, some shops have concluded that the potential issues arising from Prismatic Evolutions are simply not worth the risk. The user shared an Instagram post from Retro Emporium, a local game store in Kent, WA, which announced it would not be carrying the new set. The post expressed concerns over “overly aggressive (and entitled) behavior from collectors and resellers,”emphasizing that “cardboard”is not a priority over the safety of employees.

Safety First: Addressing Risks Associated with Prismatic Evolutions

Reasons Behind Game Stores’ Decisions to Forego Pokémon Cards

Although this decision may draw mixed reactions, the local community largely supports Retro Emporium’s choice. Many commenters on the Instagram post expressed disappointment but commended the store’s commitment to prioritizing staff safety in a volatile environment.

The Increasing Tension Among Pokémon TCG Fans

The Reselling Quandary in the Pokémon Community

The frenzy surrounding Pokémon cards is palpable, especially with some cards commanding prices that exceed $5 million. This lucrative hobby has attracted a host of resellers who are often willing to act aggressively to obtain sought-after items. Many dedicated fans express their frustration over how the reselling market has disrupted the once-lighthearted nature of collecting. User Dannypan has even indicated intentions to skip this set altogether due to these developments.

Comment by u/alyxR3W1ND from discussion in PokemonTCG

Incidents of theft at game and comic stores have been on the rise, particularly targeting valuable Pokémon card collections for subsequent resale. Notably, Metro Entertainment, a comic store in Santa Barbara, CA, recently reported a theft resulting in a loss of $10,000 in Pokémon merchandise, as highlighted by local news outlet KEYT. While there are unverified claims that Retro Emporium has faced similar issues, the mere possibility of such incidents can understandably sway store owners’ decisions against stocking Prismatic Evolutions.

Comment by u/alyxR3W1ND from discussion in PokemonTCG

The motivations behind Retro Emporium’s decision may remain somewhat ambiguous, yet their focus on employee safety is commendable. When the potential for disruptive behavior from resellers threatens that safety, choosing to forgo the latest Pokémon TCG set appears to be a prudent action.

Sources: alyxR3W1ND/Reddit, Retro Emporium/Instagram, Dannypan/Reddit, KEYT, Mel0dyShadow/Reddit

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