This May 5, 2016, file photo shows Pokemon merchandise. Target has suspended in-store sales of sports and Pokemon trading cards, citing safety concerns. While the Minneapolis-based retailer didn't give a direct reason for the change in its Friday, May 14, 2021, announcement, the Minneapolis Star Tribune says it came after police in Brookfield, Wis., reported that four men had attacked another man over cards on May 7. (Mike Lang/Sarasota Herald-Tribune via AP)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Target on Friday cited safety concerns in suspending in-store sales of sports and Pokemon trading cards, but it made no mention of a recent fight over cards outside a Wisconsin store.
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.”
___
This story has been corrected to show the collector's last name is Bonde, not Bondi.
Before you consider Target, you'll want to hear this.
MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Target wasn't on the list.
While Target currently has a "Moderate Buy" rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.
View The Five Stocks Here
Growth stocks offer a lot of bang for your buck, and we've got the next upcoming superstars to strongly consider for your portfolio.
Get This Free Report