Target suspends in-store sales of sports cards, cites safety

Friday, Target cited safety concerns in suspending in-store sales of sports and Pokemon trading cards but made no mention of a recent fight over cards outside a Wisconsin store.

ABC affiliate WISN-TV reported last week that a man was assaulted as he left a Wisconsin Target store over sports trading cards. All four men were located in the surrounding area and taken into custody.

“The safety of our guests and our team is our top priority," Target said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, we’ve decided to temporarily suspend the sale of MLB, NFL, NBA and Pokémon trading cards within our stores, effective May 14. Guests can continue to shop these cards online, while supplies last..”

Some individual Pokémon cards, which are sold in stores as parts of small decks priced at a few dollars, are selling for several hundred dollars online.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.