'Nostalgia alert!' Kmart shoppers run to stores for unexpected '90s buy

If you want it, you have to be lined up at midnight to get it.

Pokémania is something that many of us remember from the ‘90s and early 2000s. To this day, it’s one of the highest-grossing media franchises and best-selling video game franchises of all time.

With the rise and relatively quick fall of Pokémon Go in 2016, many thought that was the last of the huge hype we’d see around Pokémon. But, it seems it’s come back once again, with stores now suddenly under fire for their lack of stock.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

Image: TikTok / @uwonpark, Reddit.

RELATED: Shopping habit you definitely do is actually not allowed

“This is [the] saddest Pokemon section I have ever seen”

Over the last few months, Pokémon has seen somewhat of a resurgence, with fans all over Australia lining up as early as midnight for new launches.

Whilst some people are loving the community aspect of it all, others are fuming that stores like Kmart, Target and EB Games haven’t been able to keep up with the hype.

One shopper has taken to Reddit to vent about the matter.

“Very limited Pokemon stock at Castle Hill Kmart,” they wrote.

“Only 2 packs of Shrouded Fable etbs are left which are on clearance for $49. That’s the only Pokemon stock they had left. This is [the] saddest Pokemon section I have ever seen :(“

Another on TikTok, @angeline.deveraa, said that the same thing was happening across all the stores - forcing them to line up at 11.30pm the night before the release.

“Thought I had the genius idea to go at 12am to get the new Pokémon release… definitely wasn’t the only one with the same thought,” she said.

“Kinda cute seeing all these poke lovers in real life!”

Thankfully, she ended up getting the goods, but not everyone was as lucky.

@angeline.deveraa

Thought i had the genius idea to go at 12am to get the new pokemon release 😅🤭 definitely wasnt the only one with the same thought 🥲 #pokemontiktok #pokemoncommunity #prismaticevolution #pokemoncards #pokemonaustralia

♬ original sound - Angeline Devera

RELATED: Aussie warns of ‘hidden cost’ with online deliveries

“Don’t let me order it if you can’t fill the order”

Apparently, online is just as bad, with orders being cancelled by Kmart left and right.

“Just posting here to roughly gauge the amount of people Kmart has let down allowing orders for today's release of Journey Together Pokemon cards go through,” said one user on Reddit this week.

“Have stock on store shelves today (potentially sell out? I’ve worked all day and didn’t get the chance to attend my local store) just to mass e-mail and cancel what I’m guessing is all online orders for this product. Do better Kmart, don’t let me order it if you can’t fill the order, I’m lucky enough to be in the position your delayed refund won’t affect me negatively but I’m shattered I’m unable to collect something that brings me joy.”

The email from Kmart apologised to Pokémon fans directly, clearly understanding the demand.

“We apologise for any frustration this has caused; we know how popular Pokémon items are and that you’ll be disappointed by this,” it said.

Is there a way to do it?

If you’re one of the many fans on the hunt for new Pokémon TCG releases at the moment, I’m sorry to break it to you - but I don’t think there’s an easy way around this.

Some shoppers have suggested going up to the service desk at your local Kmart directly to see if they have any back there.

Otherwise, if you can’t find it, eBay might be your only option - if you’re willing to pay triple the price.

Originally published as 'Nostalgia alert!' Kmart shoppers run to stores for unexpected '90s buy