dpSan Antonio loves a good line. Last week, it was for the opening of the newest Barnes & Noble store, where some of the first people to show up were on the hunt for Pokémon cards. This week, a queue is forming once again, and it seems to also be the work of Pokémon fanatics.
Outside the Best Buy store in the Alamo Ranch shopping center off Loop 1604, Pokémon fans are seemingly getting ready to pounce on the 30th anniversary goodies, which drop Wednesday, September 16. Yup, the line (thankfully sheltered under some tents) is already stretching to the corner of the building for items that have yet to hit the shelves. The special inventory includes exclusive posters, stickers, card packs, tins and more available in-store only. Prices for certain items start around $10, but other big-ticket items can go for as much as $179.99.
Best Buy even set out release guidelines on its website, laying down the law (and customer conduct) for beginning lines, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A release day checklist includes a folding chair, jacket and other cold weather gear (maybe not applicable in San Antonio this time of year), a raincoat, chargers, water bottles, sunscreen, books, games and other ways to pass the time.
It’s not the only chain to set strict rules. Target reportedly has extra security in place at stores, including security measures for long and potentially chaotic lines, as well as traffic control in parking lots. Some stores aren’t allowing spots in line to be saved with an empty chair (which seasoned line professionals call “ghost chairs”). Others aren’t allowing lines to form until a specified time. When stores open (which is typically at 7 or 8 a.m.) some locations won’t allow every customer in line to enter at once.
Regardless, it’s shaping up to be a hectic drop. Are you lining up?
