McDonald's Japan pledges stricter rules for Happy Meals after Pokémon card scalpers cause chaos

mcdonalds pokemon card reseller statement

McDonald’s Japan has issued a formal apology regarding the widespread issues that occurred during its recent “Happy Meal” promotion with the Pokémon franchise.

The statement addresses the chaos that ensued from a special Pokémon Trading Card Game giveaway held over the weekend.

McDonald's Japan Pokémon Happy Meal toys 10 — The Pokémon card giveaway was expected to run from the 8th to the 11th of August

The promotion led to a surge of mass purchases by scalpers, which in turn caused significant congestion at stores across the country, as well as reports of large quantities of the purchased food being discarded.

mcdonalds japan pokemon tcg card promotion cancelled 1 — Food and toys were abandoned on tables and counters in McDonald’s restaurants

In its statement, McDonald’s Japan formally acknowledged these issues. The company stated:

“We have confirmed instances of large-volume purchases for the purpose of resale, consequent congestion and confusion in and around our stores, and the abandonment and disposal of ordered food”.

mcdonalds japan pokemon tcg card promotion cancelled 2 — Many resellers also dumped unwanted food and toys on the street

The company then offered a direct apology for the disruption.

“In addition to the inconvenience caused to our regular McDonald’s customers, we deeply apologize for the great trouble caused to our crew members who work in our stores, residents in the vicinity, and the owners of the properties where our tenants are located.”

Shimokita McDonalds — Abandoned food was a common sight in areas near McDonald’s restaurants

McDonald’s clarified its official stance on the matter, stating:

“[the company] does not condone the purchase of Happy Meals for the purpose of resale, nor the abandonment or disposal of food.”

mcdonalds japan pokemon tcg card promotion cancelled 6 — Stores were packed from the early hours of the morning with people ordering Happy Meals as soon as the promotion began

The company admitted that its own preventative measures were insufficient, saying:

“This situation clearly contradicts our long-held philosophy of ‘providing a fun dining experience for children and their families’ and our stance as a restaurant, and we solemnly accept that our response was inadequate.”

To prevent a recurrence, McDonald’s announced that it will urgently implement stricter purchase limits for specific, high-demand Happy Set campaigns in the future.

pokemon mcdonalds 08 25 3 — Resellers and Pokémon fans were desperate to get their hands on this exclusive Pikachu card

These restrictions may also be applied to mobile and delivery orders and it has been hinted that the chain may completely suspend purchase of promotional items via these methods to gain greater control of the distribution.

McDonalds Pokemon — McDonald’s Japan halted the Pokémon card promotion less than 24 hours after it started due to the high demand

The company also stated that it will refuse service to customers who attempt to circumvent the limits or who act in an intimidating manner towards staff, and may terminate the app accounts of those who have clearly obstructed business.

Source: Press Release

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