To celebrate thirty years of the franchise, Pokémon is collaborating with Target on a retro-themed collection of clothes, bags, gadgets, and toys. While Pokémon merchandise isn’t exactly hard to come by nowadays, this particular collection has caught the internet’s collective eye with its primary-color designs specifically themed to the Kanto region and the inclusion of Joe Jonas as a featured trainer in the ad campaign.
Kick balls, water bottles, hats, keyboards, cups, binders, and even Pokemon body sprays (for anyone that wants to smell like a Bulbasaur or Jigglypuff) are coming soon. The Pokémon collection will only be available for a limited time starting in May – likely based on stock, which means there’s no way to know how long these items will be around.
What’s in the Pokémon x Target collection?
While there are hundreds of items available in the upcoming collection, a few particulars have stood out. First is a pullover jacket themed after the Kanto region, complete with hidden embroidered badges under a pocket flap and a Pokéball on the sleeve – though the cost is $130 USD.
While some items – like the jacket – are on the pricier side, most of the collection consists of normal merch in an effort to be accessible for a larger range of fans. Among the collection are subtly themed crossbody bags, a series of kick balls that look like different poke balls, Butterfree-shaped hairclips, a blind box water bottle featuring Kanto water types, and a huge range of t-shirts covered in Pokémon.
According to a press release from Target, this entire collection was designed “by fans, for fans”, stating, “the Target team behind the collection includes many longtime Pokémon fans who drew on their own love of the franchise to create thoughtful “if you know you know” details, deeply original designs, and products that honor the art, creativity and lasting legacy of Pokémon.”
Amy Sachtleben, senior director of licensing and promotions at The Pokémon Company stated, “This collection is designed to bring that sense of fun and adventure into everyday life, with merchandise that appeals to both longtime Trainers as well as those who recently began their Pokémon journey.”
How to buy your faves from the Pokémon x Target collection
The items in this collection will drop in a few waves, most likely to get people in-stores first and foremost, with the added benefit of giving fans an opportunity to purchase before online scalpers take over.
Here’s the schedule for release:
- May 2: Collection available in stores
- May 3: Collection goes live online at 8 am CT / 9 am ET
- June 6: Collection restocks available both online and in stores
Based on these schedules, it seems fans will have a good chance of securing their items, especially with a second wave set for early June. However, it’s equally likely given the viral nature of some of the collection that items will sell out extremely fast. Keep in mind that the early spearow gets the caterpie!
