Target Pokémon Card Event Draws Crowds, Confusion
Target's Pokémon Trading Card Game anniversary event on Sept. 27 drew long lines and mixed experiences as stores handled giveaways differently.
Target hosted a Pokémon Trading Card Game 30th Anniversary event on Sept. 27, drawing crowds that in some cases far exceeded what the retailer had planned for. The event was intended to give the first 100 or so attendees a voucher for two Pokémon tins, according to Polygon.
Goodie bags at participating stores included a Mewtwo promo card, a booklet on Pokémon's history, and a draw-your-own-Pokémon kit. But the experience varied widely by location.
One parent told Polygon they arrived 30 minutes before the event and found a line of more than 200 people. Some Target locations handed out tickets at store opening rather than at the event's start time, while others did not receive the promo card or take part in giveaways at all.
Family event confusion
Target's official website did not describe the event as a family event. Internal Target communications that referred to a family day were written before plans were finalized and were not meant for the public. Some trading card restocking groups shared images that falsely labeled the event a family event.
Best Buy has an upcoming 30th Anniversary Pokémon TCG event of its own.
Quick answers
When was Target's Pokémon Trading Card Game 30th Anniversary event?
It was held on Sept. 27.
What was included in the goodie bags?
A Mewtwo promo card, a booklet on Pokémon's history, and a draw-your-own-Pokémon kit.
Was the Target event a family event?
Target's official website did not call it a family event. Internal communications mentioning a family day were written before plans were finalized and were not meant for the public.