Guides
When Does Walmart & Target Restock Pokemon Cards?
Stop wasting time searching empty shelves. Learn exactly when Walmart and Target restock Pokemon cards, plus discover a smarter way to buy cards without the hassle.
Quick Answer
Walmart: Restocks Pokemon cards Tuesday through Friday mornings between 7-10 AM, with the highest success rate on Thursday mornings.
Target: Restocks Pokemon cards on Friday mornings around 8 AM, with some locations restocking Monday and Wednesday as backup days.
Note: Restock schedules vary by location and vendor route. Call your local store to confirm their specific schedule.
If you've ever walked into Walmart or Target hoping to find Pokemon cards, only to see empty shelves or picked-over stock, you're not alone. Pokemon cards remain one of the hottest collectibles in 2025, and retailers struggle to keep them in stock.
Understanding when stores restock is crucial for collectors who want to find the latest sets, chase cards, and popular products before they sell out. In this comprehensive guide, we'll reveal the exact restock schedules for both Walmart and Target, plus share insider tips to maximize your chances of finding cards.
When Does Walmart Restock Pokemon Cards?
Walmart Restock Schedule (2025)
- Primary Restock Days:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
- Best Day:
- Thursday mornings (highest success rate)
- Typical Times:
- 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM (varies by location)
- Vendor:
- MJ Holding (in most stores)
How Walmart's Restock System Works
Unlike some products that Walmart stocks themselves, Pokemon cards are typically handled by third-party vendors like MJ Holding and Excell Marketing. These vendors visit stores on scheduled routes, restocking trading card sections including Pokemon, sports cards, and other TCGs.
Weekly Restock Pattern
Based on data collected from hundreds of stores across the United States, here's the typical weekly pattern:
- Monday: Rarely restocked. Vendors typically don't visit.
- Tuesday: Moderate chance. Some vendor routes include Tuesday morning visits.
- Wednesday: Good chance. Mid-week restocks are common in high-traffic stores.
- Thursday: Best chance. This is the most common restock day across all locations.
- Friday: Moderate chance. Some stores get Friday morning restocks.
- Saturday-Sunday: Very rare. Vendors generally don't work weekends.
Best Times to Visit Walmart
Vendors typically arrive early in the morning, between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The absolute best time to find freshly stocked Pokemon cards is Thursday morning between 8:00-9:00 AM.
Pro Tip
If you develop a relationship with your local card vendor, you can ask them directly about their schedule. Many vendors visit the same stores on the same days each week, so once you identify the pattern, you can time your visits accordingly.
When Does Target Restock Pokemon Cards?
Target Restock Schedule (2025)
- Primary Restock Day:
- Friday mornings
- Backup Days:
- Monday and Wednesday (varies by location)
- Typical Time:
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM when stores open
- Vendor:
- Excell Marketing (in most stores)
How Target's Restock System Works
Target uses a similar third-party vendor model, with Excell Marketing being the most common distributor for Pokemon cards. However, Target's restock schedule tends to be more consistent than Walmart's, with Friday being the dominant restock day across most locations.
Why Friday?
Target strategically restocks on Friday mornings to capture weekend shoppers. Since Pokemon cards are a high-demand item, Friday restocks ensure fresh inventory is available for the busiest shopping days of the week.
Target's Card Limit Policy
Many Target stores enforce purchase limits on Pokemon cards to prevent scalpers from buying entire restocks. Typical limits are 2-5 items per person per day, though this varies by location and card availability.
Pro Tip
Call your local Target's electronics or toy department around 7:45 AM on Friday mornings to ask if Pokemon cards were restocked. This can save you a wasted trip if the vendor didn't visit that week.
Walmart vs Target: Restock Comparison
| Factor | Walmart | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Best Restock Day | Thursday | Friday |
| Typical Restock Time | 7:00-10:00 AM | 8:00-9:00 AM |
| Schedule Consistency | Varies more | More consistent |
| Purchase Limits | Rarely enforced | Often enforced (2-5 items) |
| Primary Vendor | MJ Holding | Excell Marketing |
| Selection | Good variety | Good variety |
Tips for Finding Pokemon Cards in Stock
1. Build a Relationship with Store Staff
Electronics and toy department employees often know when vendors are scheduled to arrive. Being polite and becoming a familiar face can help you get insider information about restock schedules.
2. Track Vendor Patterns
Keep a log of successful trips. If you find Pokemon cards on a Thursday at 8:30 AM, try visiting at the same time the following Thursday. Vendors typically follow consistent routes and schedules.
3. Check Multiple Locations
Different stores in the same chain may have different vendor routes and schedules. If your primary store isn't consistently stocked, expand your search to nearby locations.
4. Arrive Before Store Opening
Dedicated collectors often wait in line before the store opens on restock days. Arriving 15-30 minutes early can make the difference between finding a full restock or picked-over shelves.
5. Use Online Inventory Checkers
Both Walmart and Target have online inventory systems that sometimes show stock availability. While not always accurate in real-time, these tools can help you identify which stores recently received shipments.
6. Join Local Collector Communities
Local Facebook groups, Discord servers, and Reddit communities often share real-time restock information. Collectors helping collectors can make finding cards significantly easier.
Better Alternative: Shop Online at Double Holo
While hunting for Pokemon cards at retail stores can be exciting, it's time-consuming, unpredictable, and often frustrating. There's a better way to build your collection without the hassle of tracking restock schedules and competing with scalpers.
Why Choose Double Holo?
- Always in Stock
- No need to track restock schedules or wait in line. Browse thousands of Pokemon cards available 24/7.
- Market Prices
- Get real-time market prices, not inflated retail markups. Buy and sell at fair market value.
- Verified Sellers
- All sellers are KYC-verified through Stripe. Buy with confidence knowing your transaction is secure.
- Lowest Fees
- Only 6.9% marketplace seller fees—the lowest in the industry. More money stays in your pocket.
- Graded & Raw Cards
- Find PSA, BGS, TAG, and CGC graded cards plus raw singles. All conditions, all languages, all sets.
- Guaranteed Authenticity
- Every card is verified. No counterfeits, no scams, just authentic Pokemon cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day does Walmart restock Pokemon cards?
Walmart typically restocks Pokemon cards Tuesday through Friday, with Thursday being the most common restock day. Vendors usually arrive between 7:00-10:00 AM, though exact schedules vary by location and vendor route.
What day does Target restock Pokemon cards?
Target primarily restocks Pokemon cards on Friday mornings around 8:00 AM. Some locations also receive restocks on Monday or Wednesday as backup days, depending on vendor routes and inventory availability.
What time should I go to Walmart for Pokemon cards?
The best time to visit Walmart for Pokemon cards is Thursday morning between 8:00-9:00 AM. Vendors typically restock early in the morning, so arriving right when the store opens (or shortly before) gives you the best chance of finding freshly stocked inventory.
Does Target have purchase limits on Pokemon cards?
Yes, many Target locations enforce purchase limits of 2-5 items per person per day to prevent scalpers from buying entire restocks. These limits vary by store and are often only enforced during high-demand periods or for new set releases.
Why are Pokemon cards always out of stock at retail stores?
Pokemon cards remain highly sought after by collectors, players, and investors. Combined with limited vendor restock schedules and scalpers buying inventory to resell online, cards often sell out within hours of restocking. This is why many collectors prefer online marketplaces like Double Holo where inventory is consistently available.
Can I check Pokemon card inventory online at Walmart or Target?
Both retailers have online inventory checkers, but they're not always accurate for Pokemon cards since vendors restock them rather than store employees. The systems may not update in real-time, so calling the store directly is more reliable.
Are Pokemon cards cheaper at Walmart or Target?
Both retailers sell Pokemon cards at MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price). Prices are generally the same, though occasional sales or promotions may make one retailer cheaper temporarily. For market-rate pricing on individual cards and better selection, online marketplaces like Double Holo offer more competitive prices.
Conclusion
Understanding when Walmart and Target restock Pokemon cards can significantly improve your chances of finding inventory. Thursday mornings at Walmart and Friday mornings at Target are your best bets, with arrival times between 7:00-9:00 AM offering the highest success rates.
However, retail hunting comes with challenges: inconsistent schedules, limited selection, and competition from scalpers. For a more reliable and convenient experience, consider shopping at Double Holo's marketplace, where you'll find consistent inventory, market prices, and verified sellers without the hassle of tracking restock schedules.
Whether you choose to hunt at retail or shop online, happy collecting!
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