Anthony Yates
Pokémon cards are as popular as they’ve ever been among kids and adults alike. Rare cards can command outrageous prices, and some fans will do anything to get their hands on them. McDonald’s Japan wasn’t impressed with its customers’ behavior during a recent Pokémon promo, and canned the entire thing.
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According to a report by CBS News, McDonald’s Japan was recently running a Happy Meal campaign. The outlet explains that the meals were called “Happy Sets.” The small meals were designed for children and contained a plastic toy and a Pokémon card. Unsurprisingly, the meals were a hit and sold out within a single day.
It may sound like the Happy Sets were great for business. However, McDonald’s business owners noticed that wasted food was starting to pile up outside their restaurants.
A translated statement by McDonald’s Japan admits that the campaign “resulted in large-scale purchases by some customers for resale, as well as the occurrence of congestion and confusion at the store and around the store, as well as the neglect and disposal of ordered food.” The company also apologized to nearby residents who may be affected and to store workers.
McDonald’s Japan Reveals Potential Plans For Future Campaigns
The translated statement says the situation is contrary to the philosophy of “providing a fun food experience for children and families.” To that end, McDonald’s Japan states that it may set sales limits for certain Happy Sets in the future. They add, “During the period, we will refuse to serve customers who are unable to follow the rules and manners, such as trying to make a large number of purchases exceeding the limit, being lined up at the counter many times, and having an intimidating attitude toward the crew.”
Pokémon is a worldwide craze and has resulted in violent altercations in the past. Last month, the Colma Police Department posted a press release on Facebook about a fight outside a GameStop store. An argument started after someone allegedly jumped the queue to buy Pokémon cards. The altercation became physical, and one man smashed their victim over the head with a glass jar. Another then grabbed a shard of glass from the ground and stabbed them.
Police arrested a 27-year-old and a 49-year-old in connection with the incident.
