McDonald’s Japan has issued an apology after their limited edition Pokémon Happy Meals, featuring exclusive trading cards, sold out in less than 24 hours. The promotion, which began on August 9, 2025, was intended to run through August 11 but ended abruptly due to overwhelming demand and reselling activities.
The Promotion and Its Quick Demise
The Pokémon Happy Meals included a special Pikachu promo card and one of five other possible cards. Each meal also came with a themed toy, such as Pikachu or Charmander. However, the excitement surrounding the exclusive cards led to a rapid sell-out. Many customers purchased the meals solely for the cards, leaving the food untouched, and resold the cards online at inflated prices.
McDonald’s Japan’s Response
In response to the situation, McDonald’s Japan issued a statement expressing regret over the early end of the promotion. The company acknowledged the disappointment caused to customers who were looking forward to the product. They also requested that customers refrain from contacting stores regarding stock availability.
The Reselling Issue
The reselling of the exclusive Pokémon cards became a significant issue. Some customers discarded the food to obtain multiple cards for resale purposes. The cards quickly appeared on online marketplaces like eBay, with prices reaching up to $80 per set.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Challenges
This incident is not the first time McDonald’s Japan has faced challenges with limited edition promotions. Earlier this year, a Chiikawa-themed Happy Meal promotion also ended early due to similar issues with reselling and food waste.
Conclusion
McDonald’s Japan’s Pokémon Happy Meal promotion highlights the challenges companies face when offering limited edition items. The rapid sell-out and subsequent reselling activities have led to customer frustration and raised questions about the effectiveness of measures to prevent such issues. As the company moves forward, it will need to consider strategies to balance demand, customer satisfaction, and ethical business practices.
Also read : Celebrate Peter Parker’s Birthday: The Ultimate Spider-Man Day for Fans
Top 5 NFL Football Memes of 2025: Anthony Richardson, Geno Smith, Browns Drama & Dolphins Chaos
