McDonald’s Japan Halts Pokémon Card Campaign Amid Restaurant Chaos
The Japanese branch of McDonald’s recently launched a special campaign on their children’s menus, called Happy Sets, featuring a toy and a Pokémon card. The promotion quickly gained popularity, with customers rushing to the restaurants to get their hands on the limited edition items.
The promotion was a huge success in terms of sales, with all units selling out in just one day. However, what could have been a commercial triumph turned into a PR nightmare for the company. Reports emerged of piles of uneaten food being discarded by customers who were only interested in collecting the Pokémon cards.
In response to the situation, McDonald’s Japan decided to cancel the campaign and issue an apology. They emphasized their commitment to preventing food waste and ensuring a positive dining experience for families. The company announced measures such as limiting the number of menus a person can purchase and denying service to those who do not follow the rules.
The appeal of Pokémon cards among collectors of all ages is well-known, with some cards fetching high prices on the second-hand market. During this campaign, promotional cards were being resold online for significant amounts, driving resellers to make bulk purchases. This unexpected demand highlighted the challenge of managing massive promotions in a market where collecting is a deeply ingrained cultural phenomenon.
McDonald’s Japan vowed to refocus on the core values of the Happy Set, which is to bring joy to families and support the healthy development of children. While no dates for a new campaign have been announced, it is clear that the company will approach future promotions with caution to avoid a repeat of the frenzy over collectible items overshadowing their main goal.
