In a move that has sent shockwaves through the collectibles market, major UK retailer The Works has announced it will no longer sell Pokemon trading cards due to a surge in shoplifting. Gavin Peck, the company’s head, revealed that the decision was driven by an “obsession” among thieves targeting the popular children’s cards.
The Works, which operates around 500 stores across the UK, is the latest in a growing list of retailers to take drastic action in response to the theft problem. Industry experts warn that the crackdown could have far-reaching consequences for the broader Pokemon franchise, which has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
“It’s a really unfortunate situation,” said market analyst Emma Bradshaw. “Pokemon cards have become a prime target for shoplifters, and retailers are being forced to make tough decisions to protect their businesses.”
The issue has been exacerbated by the scarcity of certain rare and valuable cards, which can fetch hundreds of pounds on the secondary market. This has created a lucrative opportunity for organised crime gangs, who have been known to target stores and even engage in violent robberies to get their hands on the coveted collectibles.
“The level of theft we’ve been seeing is simply unsustainable,” Peck explained. “Our staff have been put in harm’s way, and we’ve had to divert significant resources to security. Ultimately, we had no choice but to remove Pokemon cards from our shelves.”
The decision by The Works is likely to have a ripple effect across the industry, with other major retailers closely monitoring the situation. Some have already implemented strict anti-theft measures, such as locking up the cards or limiting the number of packs customers can purchase at a time.
However, industry experts warn that such measures may not be enough to deter the most determined thieves. They are calling for a coordinated response from law enforcement, retailers, and the Pokemon Company itself to tackle the problem head-on.
“This isn’t just about protecting profits,” said Bradshaw. “It’s about ensuring the safety of retail workers and preserving the integrity of the Pokemon trading card game. If we don’t find a solution, we could see more and more stores pulling the plug on these beloved collectibles.”
