Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Business and Economic News
The Associated Press
Minneapolis

Target suspends in-store sales of trading cards, cites safety

Pokemon trading cards and other merchandise
This May 5, 2016, file photo shows Pokemon trading cards and other merchandise. Target on Friday announced that it has suspended in-store sales of sports and Pokemon trading cards, citing safety concerns.
Mike Lang | Sarasota Herald-Tribune via AP 2016

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Target on Friday cited safety concerns in its decision to suspend in-store sales of sports and Pokemon trading cards.

Although the Minneapolis-based retailer didn't give a direct reason for the change, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that it came after police in Brookfield, Wisconsin, said four men attacked another man over cards on May 7.

“The safety of our guests and our team is our top priority," Target said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, we’ve decided to temporarily suspend the sale of MLB, NFL, NBA and Pokémon trading cards within our stores, effective May 14. Guests can continue to shop these cards online at Target.com.”

Dave Bonde, president of Twin Cities Sports Collectors Club, said sports cards have been rising in value over the past year for several reasons: the emergence of some exciting rookies in baseball; the release of a documentary about the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan years; and Kobe Bryant’s untimely death. He also said card companies are printing fewer cards.

“The boxes of cards are not as readily available as they once were in the ’80s and ’90s,” Bonde said.

He cited a 2011 Topps “update” card for Angels star Mike Trout.

“Up to a year ago, it was probably a $20-25 card,” Bonde said. “Now it’s approaching over $1,000.”