Target adds anti-theft tags to Pokemon displays after scalpers resell stolen decor

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Target is increasing security measures for its Pokémon decorations before the next big Pokémon collaboration. This comes after people started buying up in-store displays and reselling them online at inflated prices.

To celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, Target released a special collection in May featuring exclusive clothing, accessories, collectibles, and more.

The initial release of the products quickly descended into disorder as customers started taking not only the items themselves, but also the store’s displays. Things like cardboard cutouts, signs, and standees soon showed up for sale online, with some sellers asking for hundreds or even thousands of dollars for decorations that weren’t meant to be sold.

They had to start using anti-theft tags and Sharpies to mark the display stands because people were stealing them and reselling them online. Yet, despite this issue, some claim the hobby is doing just fine and doesn’t need any attention.

— Mert (@ThatNerdMert) May 28, 2026

Target Pokemon displays get anti-theft tags before Drop 2

A post by popular Pokemon collector Mert, known online as ThatNerdMert, is getting a lot of attention. It shows a Pokemon display inside a Target store with a security tag still on it, just before the next Pokemon x Target collection drops on June 6th.

The video features a Pokémon display decorated with a Gengar theme. A red security tag is attached to the sign, and someone has handwritten “not for sale” and “Target property” on it. Mert pointed out that a similar tag and message were also on a Charizard display.

So, I heard about this crazy thing – apparently, people were actually stealing the display stands from game stores and reselling them on eBay! Mert mentioned they had to start using anti-theft tags and even Sharpies to mark them. It’s wild! And the funny part is, everyone’s acting like the hobby is perfectly fine and doesn’t need any help. It just feels… off, you know?

The increased security measures are a response to the first Pokémon x Target collaboration, where items meant for in-store displays – like large Pokémon cutouts and signs – ended up for sale on eBay. Some of these items were listed for over $2,000, even though they weren’t originally intended to be sold to the public.

A new collection of Pokémon merchandise is coming to Target on June 6th, and fans are expected to shop quickly! The release, called Drop 2, will feature over 40 items, including jackets, hats, t-shirts, bags, and fun accessories like Pokémon-themed kickballs and puzzles. It launches online at 8 AM Central Time and in most Target stores when they open. This wave focuses on Pokémon from the Johto and Hoenn regions, and even includes an instant print camera and items featuring the Eeveelutions!

Target has announced that the next release of the collection will limit purchases to one item per customer, whether shopping in stores or online. This is to help ensure more people have the opportunity to buy something from the line.

With people reselling even the display items, Target might have to deal with more than just products selling out quickly when the next Pokémon collection is released.

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2026-05-29 20:19