In August 2025, McDonald's Japan launched a Pokémon card promotion that quickly became a viral sensation. However, the campaign was halted just days after it started. Many wonder what caused this sudden stop and what it reveals about consumer behavior and corporate response. Below, we explore the reasons behind the abrupt end of the promotion, including the role of bulk buying, scalping, and McDonald's plans to prevent similar issues in the future.
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Why did McDonald's Japan halt the Pokémon card promotion?
McDonald's Japan stopped the Pokémon card promotion early due to widespread bulk buying and scalping. Customers were purchasing large quantities of Happy Meals to resell the cards at higher prices, leading to store congestion, food wastage, and social media backlash. The company responded by ending the campaign to prevent further issues and protect their brand reputation.
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What caused the promotion to sell out so fast?
The promotion's popularity was driven by the high demand for Pokémon cards, especially rare ones, among collectors and fans. The limited-edition cards and previous successful collaborations made the campaign highly attractive. Additionally, scalpers bought in bulk to resell the cards at inflated prices, accelerating the sellout and creating chaos.
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How did bulk buying and scalping affect the campaign?
Bulk buying and scalping led to an uneven distribution of the Pokémon cards, with many being hoarded or resold at higher prices. This caused store congestion, unclaimed meals, and waste, as well as social media outrage. The scalpers' actions undermined the original intent of the promotion, prompting McDonald's to take swift action.
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What measures is McDonald's taking to prevent this in the future?
McDonald's Japan has announced plans to implement stricter purchase limits and restrict online orders to curb bulk buying and scalping. These measures aim to ensure fair access for genuine customers and prevent similar chaos in future promotions. The company is also considering more controlled distribution methods for limited-edition items.
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Will the Pokémon card promotion happen again?
While McDonald's Japan has not officially confirmed a repeat of the promotion, they have indicated that future campaigns will include tighter controls to prevent scalping and bulk buying. Fans and collectors will likely need to stay tuned for official announcements about upcoming promotions and how they will be managed.
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Why are Pokémon cards so popular right now?
Pokémon cards have experienced a resurgence in popularity due to their nostalgic value, rarity, and high resale prices for rare cards. The ongoing cultural trend and the success of previous collaborations with brands like McDonald's have also fueled demand, making Pokémon cards a hot commodity among collectors and fans alike.