Pokemon card stores use facial recognition to curb scalping
The Pokémon Company will use facial recognition at five pop-up Pokémon Card Store locations in Japan so shoppers of elementary school age or older may enter only once per day, targeting scalpers of exclusive cards and merchandise during July 31–Aug. 6 runs. That is why pokmon card stores use biometric checks at the door, UPI reports.
Key Takeaways
- Five Japan pop-up Pokémon Card Stores will scan faces from July 31 through Aug. 6.
- Elementary school age and older customers get one entry per store day.
- The company cites safer shopping, crime prevention, and entry rule compliance amid scalping.
- Facial data will be stored for an unspecified time, then deleted.
- Leaving without staff confirmation blocks re-entry.
Why are Pokémon card stores scanning shoppers faces?
Scalping has been a major issue in the Pokémon Trading Card Game community. Resellers often buy large amounts of limited-release cards and merchandise to sell at a large mark-up.
The Pokémon Company said the scans are meant to provide a safe and secure shopping environment for all customers, to prevent crime, and to ensure compliance with appropriate entry and purchase rules. For more odd culture and consumer stories, see our Bizarre News & Florida Man hub.
Which Japan pop-ups will require the face scans?
The pop-up stores will operate July 31 through Aug. 6 at AEON Mall Natori, Chofu PARCO, AEON Mall Higashiura, AEON Mall Hiroshima Fuchu, and AEON Mall Chikushino. They will feature exclusive Pokémon Trading Card Game cards and Pokémon Center merchandise.
Customers of elementary school age or older must undergo a facial recognition scan before entering. The scans will ensure each customer enters a store only once per day. Anyone attempting reentry will be turned away at the door.
What happens if you leave and try to re-enter?
If you need to leave temporarily, for example to use the restroom, the company says you must inform a nearby staff member before you go. If you leave without staff guidance or confirmation, you will not be allowed to re-enter.
That one-entry rule is the practical barrier against repeated trips meant to clear exclusive stock in a single day.
How long will the facial recognition data be kept?
The Pokémon Company said the facial recognition data will be stored for an unspecified amount of time before being deleted. The public report did not name an exact retention window.
Even so, the policy shows how far the company is willing to go when limited TCG drops draw scalpers. Fans chasing fair access may welcome the checks; privacy-minded shoppers may bristle at the biometric gate.