The excitement surrounding Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together continues to grow, but so do concerns over scalpers targeting popular card sets. Recently, an avid Pokémon TCG fan discovered what appeared to be a hidden “scalper stash” of Journey Together packs at a Target store — a moment that quickly caught the attention of the community.
Even after the widespread success of the Pokémon TCG Pocket mobile game, many players remain loyal to the real-world tabletop experience. Collecting, trading, and building competitive decks remains a thriving hobby in 2025, fueled by the constant release of new sets. Despite GameStop ending pre-orders for Pokémon TCG products earlier this year, many retailers, including Target, still offer expansions on release day — although fans remain cautious about scalping activity that could limit availability.
A Hidden Treasure Revealed
Reddit user TheRisingPhoenix2112 shared an image of the suspected stash, describing the scene after notifying a store manager. According to their account, Pokémon fans quickly flocked to the area while an employee returned the hidden packs to the shelves. Many parents were able to secure cards for their children, and the packs sold rapidly — much to the delight of the community.
The incident was met with praise across Reddit, with many expressing relief that the cards ended up in the hands of genuine fans rather than resellers. However, not everyone agreed on what exactly had happened.
Divided Opinions: Honest Mistake or Scalper Scheme?
While some Reddit users, such as bellowingdragoncrest, noted they were able to find Journey Together packs at MSRP without much difficulty, others speculated about possible foul play. Some believe the packs were innocently left by an employee preparing to restock the shelves, while others suspect that a worker might have been hiding them for a scalper to retrieve later.
The debate highlights the ongoing skepticism many collectors feel toward retail practices, particularly as high demand continues to attract scalpers looking to flip rare cards for profit.
The Pokémon Company’s Response to Scalping
Fortunately, The Pokémon Company is aware of these challenges. To combat shortages and scalper interference, they have committed to increasing the production of upcoming TCG sets and reprinting existing products more frequently. This effort aims to make Pokémon cards more accessible for collectors and players alike, ensuring that the excitement of the game remains in the right hands.
As Journey Together continues to captivate fans, moments like these serve as a reminder of both the passion within the community — and the vigilance needed to protect it.
