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Pokémon’s Pitch Black set is mysteriously absent from some Target stores
Some Target stores in the US failed to stock Pokémon's new Pitch Black trading card set on its scheduled release day, despite the retailer's usual close coordination with The Pokémon Company for launch events. This is unusual for Target, which typically clears old stock and sets up dedicated displays and queuing areas ahead of a new set's release, making the blank shelves and apology signs at some branches a notable disruption for waiting fans, some of whom had queued overnight.
Reports of empty shelves came from multiple Target locations in Minnesota and Pennsylvania, with customers describing some stores receiving no stock at all while nearby branches had dozens of Elite Trainer Boxes. Even stores that did receive stock were often missing other recently released products and displayed the new cards on smaller-than-usual fixtures. Target, which sources its Pokémon stock from third-party vendors such as MJ Holdings, did not immediately comment, and Polygon suggests fans try alternative retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy or Barnes & Noble, though stock there may also sell out quickly.
In short
- Some Target stores had no Pitch Black Pokémon cards on launch day
- Minnesota and Pennsylvania stores confirmed affected; others likely too
- Target hasn't explained the shortfall; stock may arrive later
Explained simply
Pokémon trading cards are physical cards that collectors and players buy in sets, often released in coordinated waves by The Pokémon Company. These launches are major events, with fans queuing for hours or even overnight to buy the new cards on their release date, particularly for limited or sought-after sets.
Target is one of the largest retailers selling Pokémon cards in the United States and normally coordinates closely with The Pokémon Company before each launch. The retailer typically clears old stock, sets up dedicated display areas and organises queueing systems so the releases go smoothly. Customers expect to find the new products readily available on the scheduled release day.
This week, Target stores across multiple US locations failed to stock the Pokémon Pitch Black set on its scheduled launch date, leaving some branches with empty shelves and apology notices instead. Some stores received no stock at all whilst nearby branches had supplies, and some customers who had waited overnight for the release went home empty-handed. The inconsistency has been unusual for Target and disappointing for fans who had planned their shopping around the release.